Top 2023 draft pick Connor Bedard has been getting the headlines, of course. But the 22-year-old Vlasic has been consistently solid in first eight games of 2023-24.
Defenseman Alex Vlasic, the second-most impressive Blackhawks rookie so far this season, was placed in concussion protocol on Sunday and sent back to Chicago for further evaluation.
While all eyes have been on top 2023 draft pick Connor Bedard, the 6-foot-6 Vlasic has been solid, both with defensive coverage and managing the puck. The Blackhawks recalled defenseman Isaak Phillips from Rockford of the AHL on Sunday to take the 22-year-old Vlasic's roster spot for Monday's game against the Coyotes in Arizona.
Vlasic was injured on a high, hard and nasty — but technically clean — shoulder-to-shoulder hit from the Golden Knights forward Brett Howden in the second period of Chicago's 4-3 OT win on Friday.
Vlasic was tired at the end of a shift and vulnerable after skating up the right side. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Howden drove his right shoulder into Vlasic just as the Chicago D-man swatted the puck forward and appeared to be ready to head to the bench. See link: https://x.com/lettucepiece20/status/1718045007540625627?s=20
Vlasic crumpled to the ice and was dazed after the check. He "looked a bit wobbly" Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said after the game.
Richardson spoke with reporters again on Sunday afternoon after practice in Tempe, Arizona. "(Vlasic) is is in concussion protocol, so we'll just see how that settles down," Chicago's coach said.
Richardson confirmed Phillips will play on Monday.
"We liked his (training) camp," Richardson said. "So the message to him is to keep playing aggressive, simple and moving the puck up. That's what he does when he's playing his best." See following video.
Vlasic, Phillips Stats
Vlasic has been paired with either Seth Jones or Connor Murphy, and has averaged 18:04 of ice time. The rookie has three assists and leads Chicago with a plus-4 rating on a 3-5-0 team that has scored 18 goals while allowing 24.
He's from Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb on Chicago's North Shore, and the cousin of San Jose D-Man Marc-Édouard Vlasic.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Phillips was the last player cut by the Blackhawks at the end of training camp. The 22-year-old from Barrie, Ontario made strides in his consistency in 51 games at Rockford last season, then started 2023-24 with one goals and two assists in five games for the Ice Hogs.
Phillips was disappointed to be sent to Rockford, but looks forward to skating again the the NHL. See video.
Phillips has skated in 20 games with the Blackhawks in previous call-ups, including 16 last season.
He played junior hockey for the OHL Sudbury Wolves, as did Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno.
Concussion Causes
The impact from legal, even routine hits at all levels of hockey, can cause a whiplash effect in the head that leads to a concussion. The brain can jiggle like an egg in an eggshell.
Even athletes in non-contact activities, such as gymnastics and cheerleading, can suffer a concussion without a direct blow to the head if their "melon" is shaken with enough force.