Alex Vlasic: The next great matchup defenseman

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

This kid is really unbelievable. Size, power, skating, smarts, and a blossoming offensive game. The ceiling on this guy is incredible - I encourage any fans of good defensive hockey to watch some hawks games. He's the team's best player more often than you'd expect, and has become surprisingly active in the offensive zone, especially late in games when they need a goal.

Mark my words - Alex Vlasic is going to be an absolute superstar, and doesn't get nearly enough attention. He should be on every best on best US roster for the next 10+ years.

Chicago's got a bright future on the blue line.

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[Coffee]

The real deal by definition

 

[Hennessy]

And yet neither him or his cousin have any stake in the pickle empire.

 

[SimpleJack]

I remember being blown away at times last season by his defense. So far this season I’m equally blown away by the improvements I see with his offense. Very high ceiling IMO. Wasn’t expecting him to become this dangerous offensively to go along with the size/defense. He’s exceeded all expectations thus far.

 

[BKarchitect]

Great shout. This guy looked like Hedman against the Avs, if you squinted. Looks like he had a bad outing against Detroit last game but he’s still evolving, rapidly. The minutes he logs are pretty insane, very Faber-esque in how quickly the Hawks have relied on him.

I think it’s very possible he ends up right there with Faber and Sanderson and Luke Hughes as the next gen of top American defensemen and his condor-like size and reach may actually make him something of a unicorn for both club and country.

 

[Satan]

Not shocked- this is another example of having great hockey bloodlines. Hopefully he will turn out like his big brother Marc-edward

 

[Peasy]

Not shocked- this is another example of having great hockey bloodlines. Hopefully he will turn out like his big brother Marc-edward

I know youre trolling but that is actually his cousin. So they are actually related.

 

[Voight]

His extension is going to age extremely well.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

I remember being blown away at times last season by his defense. So far this season I’m equally blown away by the improvements I see with his offense. Very high ceiling IMO. Wasn’t expecting him to become this dangerous offensively to go along with the size/defense. He’s exceeded all expectations thus far.

Agreed - I wasn't too surprised by his defensive game last year, as he's always been very solid in that regard. But he's never shown this level of offensive confidence and ability at any level really. His skating and puck carrying have improved leaps and bounds, and he sees the ice extremely well. It's really incredible how many controlled entries he's capable of at his size - his speed and reach make him really tough to contain. It's a brand new aspect of his game that he's added over the summer.