CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a six-year contract with defenseman Alex Vlasic, rewarding one of their best young players with a long-term deal.
The contract runs through the 2029-30 season, with a salary cap of $4.6 million.
“Alex has made huge strides this year and has proven he is a legitimate top-four defenseman in the NHL,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “In his first full season in the NHL, Alex has established himself as an important piece of our young core and we are excited to have him with us for the next six years.”
Chicago went 23-53-6 this year, setting a franchise record for losses. But expect a turnaround as soon as next season, and Vlasic’s contract marks the Wilmette, Illinois, native as part of the team’s young core.
The 6-foot-2 Vlasic, who turns 23 in June, has scored two goals and 14 assists in 76 games this season. He averaged nearly 21 and a half minutes of ice time, second on the team behind fellow defenseman Seth Jones.
Vlasic and Jones are in the U.S. lineup for the world championships in Czechia next month.
Vlasic was selected by Chicago in the second round of the 2019 draft and made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in March 2022. He has recorded three goals and 16 assists in 97 career NHL games.
