The Chicago Blackhawks have a wonderful young player in Alex Vlasic. The Hawks selected the defenseman in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.
If that draft were redone today, Vlasic would be going in the first round. He had a slow and steady approach to his development and the Hawks deserve credit for that. Nothing was rushed.
So far in 2024-25, Vlasic has been one of the more impressive defensemen on the team. These mistakes are limited, he is capable of shutting down the opposition, and he can make plays in the offensive zone.
Speaking of his offense, he has five assists through the first 10 games of the season. His top priority is defending the right way but Chicago would love to see him have 40+ assists as he’s on pace for.
All of those skills that he has in his game will elevate him above his peers in the league. There might be some recognition that comes along with it if he keeps it up.
In Chicago’s most recent game, a good win over the Colorado Avalanche, Vlasic made a great play to set up a power play goal scored by Philipp Kurashev. The skating, creativity, deception, and overall hockey skills that he displayed on this goal show just how good he can be.
After that goal was scored, Vlasic was as good as advertised in every zone. Colorado has Hall of Famers at every position and Vlasic helped contain them at even strength.
By the end of the game, former pro hockey player and current ESPN analyst Colby Cohen had seen enough. He posted on X that he thinks Alex Vlasic will play for Team USA at the next Olympics.
Alex Vlasic will play in the Olympics for Team USA 🇺🇸. Remember this tweet.
— Colby Cohen (@ColbyCohen36) October 29, 2024
Of course, that would be an incredible accomplishment for Vlasic in his hockey career. Being an Olympian is every kid’s hockey dream outside of playing in the NHL. However, there is a lot of work to be done to get there.
The United States team has the potential for a lot of great defensemen. Guys like Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, and Charlie McAvoy are locks but there are a lot of other elite players looking to take those final spots.
It won’t be easy for Vlasic but it’s possible. Olympic teams do look for good role players, and a reliable stay-at-home defenseman is sure to play an important role. He is capable of accepting and executing the role put in front of him.
Vlasic wouldn’t get power play time or be on the ice for big offensive chances much but he will help keep the opposition at bay. He’s great at that in the NHL and that could be what earns him a spot.
It is unlikely for Vlasic to make the USA Squad that goes to the Four Nations Faceoff. He is a year away from being in the conversation so the 2026 Olympics could be it for him when it comes to best-on-best international competition. Colby Cohen may be onto something with this opinion.
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