Last season, Seth Jones continued to demonstrate his importance as a workhorse for the Blackhawks, logging significant ice time and contributing on both ends of the rink.
Alex Vlasic, on the other hand, has shown promising development, and the upcoming season could see him step into a larger role alongside Seth Jones. According to Sportsnet insider Kevin Weekes, the Blackhawks' defense is undergoing a transformation, and Alex Vlasic's growth is crucial to this progress
The best-case scenario for this pairing in the 2024-25 season would be Alex Vlasic fully stepping up and proving that he can handle top-line defensive duties alongside Seth Jones. If Alex Vlasic can build on his strong performance from last season, the Blackhawks could have a reliable top pairing that can compete against the league's best. The Athletic recently highlighted Alex Vlasic's ability to stay composed under pressure, which will be key as he faces tougher matchups this season.
However, the challenge for Alex Vlasic will be maintaining consistency and avoiding the growing pains that often come with increased responsibility. Head coach Luke Richardson has expressed his confidence in the pairing, believing that Seth Jones' leadership will be key to Alex Vlasic's development.
If all goes well, Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic could become a cornerstone for the Blackhawks' defense in their rebuild. In other Blackhawks news, Richardson is also preparing for the emergence of young players who could complement the team's defensive improvements.