Pickles For All & All For Defense
A look at the Blackhawks' extension of Alex Vlasic and how the team's defense and goaltending grades fared for the 2023-24 season
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Chicago Blackhawks’ 2023-24 Player Grades: Goalies
April 26, 2024 by Hunter Crowther
The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2023-24 season is now complete, so it’s time to reflect on how this club fared in yet another rebuilding campaign. With a record of 23-53-6 for 52 points, including a road record of 7-32-2, the Blackhawks finished 31st out of 32 teams, qualifying for another lottery pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Despite prospects like Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic and Philipp Kurashev taking big steps in their development, the team is still a ways to go before they’re considered playoff contenders. But now that Chicago’s season is over, fans and those who cover the team can look at the roster and evaluate the good, the bad, the ugly, and what looks promising for the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Blackhawks’ goaltending, and why the weather wasn’t always gloomy in the Windy City.
Blackhawks Sign Alex Vlasic to 6-year Contract Extension
April 25, 2024 by Hunter Crowther
The Chicago Blackhawks locked down one of their top prospects for the foreseeable future, signing defenseman Alex Vlasic to a six-year extension, according to The Athletic’s Scott Powers. The contract, that will keep him with the club through the 2029-30 season, is worth $27.6 million with an average annual value of $4.6 million.
Alex Vlasic Extension Brings Needed Excitement to Blackhawks’ Future
April 26, 2024 by Brooke LoFurno (THW Premium Content)
Hey, Blackhawks Fans! I scream, you scream, we all scream for pickles! (That’s how the saying goes, right?) Well, it should because massive news came out this morning (April 25) that the Blackhawks and defenseman Alex Vlasic agreed to a six-year contract extension ($4.6 million AAV). This deal is a steal, which has been the mantra of Vlasic’s career thus far. In my mind, there are two big notions associated with this signing.
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Chicago Blackhawks 2023-24 Player Grades: Defense
April 25, 2024 by Brooke LoFurno
Since the Chicago Blackhawks‘ 2023-24 season ended one week ago, our Blackhawks’ team is looking back on the season and giving player grades, and this edition, you guessed it, is all about the defense. Chicago’s defense was not good at all this season. But grim stats aside, the defense’s prospects actually brought fans a lot of hope that they will eventually turn it around. My colleague, Gail Kauchak, and I tag-teamed on these grades. Here is how they fared!