Blackhawks sign Alex Vlasic to 6-year extension

The Chicago Blackhawks secured the services of defenseman Alex Vlasic for six more seasons at a $4.6-million cap hit, the team announced Thursday.

Vlasic was a pending restricted free agent whose current pact carries an average annual value of $1,491,667 and a cap hit of $916,667, according to CapFriendly. He would've been eligible for arbitration.

The Illinois-born blue-liner produced two goals and 14 assists while averaging 21:29 of ice time over 76 games in his first full NHL campaign. He also blocked 148 shots, tying Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar for 43rd in the NHL.

The Blackhawks rearguard, who'll turn 23 on June 5, finished the season playing on Chicago's top pairing alongside Seth Jones. Vlasic was also paired with Jones on the club's top penalty-killing unit. He and Jones will both represent the United States at the World Championship next month in Czechia.

Vlasic made his NHL debut in March 2022, playing 15 games for the Blackhawks down the stretch after signing out of Boston University. He then spent 2022-23 primarly with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, suiting up for 56 games with them along with six contests with Chicago.

The Blackhawks drafted Vlasic 43rd overall in 2019.

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