On Caleb Williams Day The Chicago Blackhawks Have Secured A Big Part Of Their Future

Just when I thought today couldn't get any better for Chicago, Kyle Davidson got to work and signed a key piece to the future. Bedard got all the headlines this year, rightfully so, but a team can not win on goals alone. Vlasic is a human eraser. 6'6, uses his stick well, and skates. He got the toughest matchups all year, logged the 2nd most ice-time on the team, and performed brilliantly. Every team needs a true shutdown defenseman to win. The Blackhawks have their top pair guy locked up for the next 6 years now. 

Great deal for both sides. $4.6M AAV is going to feel like a bargain for Vlasic as the team ascends up the standings. I've seen people say that they think he has more to give offensively and could produce more next year. This is a great deal even if he never gets more than the 16 points he logged. His defense is that valuable. 

Vlasic gets the security of a long term deal now and will be a free agent again when he's 28 years old when the salary cap will be much higher. Win-win-win situation. I am glad it came together so quickly too. A good deal and a box checked so Davidson can focus on other areas of the organization that need improvement. 

If Korchinski takes a step forward in his 2nd season the Blackhawks top 4 of Vlasic-Jones, Korchinski-Murphy looks more than solid. They compliment their partners well. You could do a lot worse than having those guys. I'd like to sign a veteran (Tanev) to pair with whoever wins the camp battle between Kaiser and Del Mastro. If that all happens the defense corp looks pretty pretty good on paper. Things are pointing in the right direction for this city.