Alex Vlasic becomes Blackhawks' No. 1 defenseman

Alex Vlasic, a young defenseman for the Blackhawks, is stepping up as the team’s new top player on defense. He is trying to keep a positive attitude during a tough season for the team. Vlasic often shares jokes with teammate Alec Martinez, which brings some fun to the locker room amid the struggles. At just 23 years old, Vlasic feels the pressure of his new role following a trade that made him the No. 1 defenseman after Seth Jones left the team. He has only played 165 NHL games, and he's determined to lead the newer players, including rookie defensemen like Artyom Levshunov. While Vlasic has been performing decently, the team's overall results have been disappointing. Despite having a recent scoring surge with 10 points in 15 games, the team has lost vital matches recently. Vlasic expressed his frustration, saying he wants to help the team more. He acknowledges the importance of maintaining a good spirit, even when things are tough. He aims to inspire his teammates, sharing his experiences in both struggles and successes. Even when feeling down, he works hard to stay upbeat and support those around him.