Zach Jarom: Hawks Lockdown Vlasic

It is nice to see a Blackhawk drafted second rounder have work to transition from prospect to NHL defender.

This is not a guy you are waiting to round out into a solid defensive player, like so many of the early picks of defenseman where you wait years for them to gain awareness and strong defensive details.

Vlasic has used college and coaching to add to what he learned as part of the USA National Development program.


Nice deal all around.

Sounds like an extension the Flyers would make. This should of been more of a bridge deal, but for some reason teams must think the cap is going up 5 million every year.

This is a very go signing IMO. Well done KD. this will be a steal later in the deal.

This is a very go signing IMO. Well done KD. this will be a steal later in the deal.
- SaskHawkFan

Pope article this weekend Vlasic basically said he didn't want a bridge deal which lowered his $# Agreed he will be a steal in a couple years.

Agree with all but the Philly guy. This is a solid deal. Think everyone here was of a mind a good deal for him would be in the $4-$5m range if you could sign him to some term.

Nice job KFC.

This is a very go signing IMO. Well done KD. this will be a steal later in the deal.
- SaskHawkFan

It's a good deal for Vlasic too. He'll be a UFA at age 28 and poised for a big payout if he continues to improve.

I am a bit surprised by the length of the contract. I don't have issue with it, but I thought KD would have gone with a 3 year bridge deal or a full 8 year deal.

Thats what worries me if they should select Buium or Parekh, defense takes a backseat to offense.
- paulr

It's all about balance, no? I'm sure a lot of the Hawks problems this year stemmed from the fact that very few of their defensemen had the ability to accurately complete a pass. Lots of turnovers, and takeaways by the opponents which hemmed the team in their own end. Top that with not being able to get many shots through or knowing how/when to pinch and you have the recipe for long nights.

The nice thing about Vlasic (and Kaiser and KK) is that he seems to be able to know how and where to exit the zone without too much issue. Give them some competent forwards that know how to be a good outlet and can actually receive a pass and you might have something.

I was really impressed with Kaiser's ability here on his recall late in the year. so calm and able to put the puck on his forward's stick with enough touch to not explode when it hits their stick, but enough zip to not get stolen.

Sounds like an extension the Flyers would make. This should of been more of a bridge deal, but for some reason teams must think the cap is going up 5 million every year.
- Glak18

The guy plays sound solid defense, is 22 and wanted to stay long term. Why run a bridge deal?

i prefer overpay and NMC all day long....seriously though, this is a GREAT deal for both sides and KD sure did a great job!!! now just go out and get a top 2 pick !!!!

It's a good deal for Vlasic too. He'll be a UFA at age 28 and poised for a big payout if he continues to improve.

I am a bit surprised by the length of the contract. I don't have issue with it, but I thought KD would have gone with a 3 year bridge deal or a full 8 year deal.
- DarthKane

But what about the timing? 😉

It's all about balance, no? I'm sure a lot of the Hawks problems this year stemmed from the fact that very few of their defensemen had the ability to accurately complete a pass. Lots of turnovers, and takeaways by the opponents which hemmed the team in their own end. Top that with not being able to get many shots through or knowing how/when to pinch and you have the recipe for long nights.

The nice thing about Vlasic (and Kaiser and KK) is that he seems to be able to know how and where to exit the zone without too much issue. Give them some competent forwards that know how to be a good outlet and can actually receive a pass and you might have something.

I was really impressed with Kaiser's ability here on his recall late in the year. so calm and able to put the puck on his forward's stick with enough touch to not explode when it hits their stick, but enough zip to not get stolen.
- Chunk

I wonder if the Hawks are contemplating selecting D!ckinson if they draft 2-4. If they don't pick #1, I still think Demidov or Eiserman is the best choice as they need to fill that goal scoring void.

However, D!ckinson would be a good balance between defense and creating offense (from the defense). He may not be my first choice, but I wouldn't be upset if the Hawks drafted D!ckinson.

But what about the timing? 😉
- HawkintheD

The timing is certainly off, as is the lack of full NMC. How does KD intend to lock-up players without NMCs, it just can't happen.

Is this KD’s first extension of a homegrown player?

Excellent value. In fact, it’s probably surplus value considering the improvement Vlasic will continue to make both at an individual level and as the talent around him improves.

The value in savings here will offset the value of the Jones contract. Vlasic probably being paid $2m too little; Jones $2m too much, and they both expire at the same time.

Good piece of business by KD and Co.

I wonder if the Hawks are contemplating selecting D!ckinson if they draft 2-4. If they don't pick #1, I still think Demidov or Eiserman is the best choice as they need to fill that goal scoring void.

However, D!ckinson would be a good balance between defense and creating offense (from the defense). He may not be my first choice, but I wouldn't be upset if the Hawks drafted D!ckinson.
- DarthKane

I get the need for more goal scoring up front but defense cannot be bought whereas scoring can.

If we pick at 2 give me a guy projected to be a #1 d-man in Levshunov.

I get the need for more goal scoring up front but defense cannot be bought whereas scoring can.

If we pick at 2 give me a guy projected to be a #1 d-man in Levshunov.
- TommyHawk

If they project him as BPA where they are picking, plus he's a RHD, that works.

Is this KD’s first extension of a homegrown player?

Excellent value. In fact, it’s probably surplus value considering the improvement Vlasic will continue to make both at an individual level and as the talent around him improves.

The value in savings here will offset the value of the Jones contract. Vlasic probably being paid $2m too little; Jones $2m too much, and they both expire at the same time.

Good piece of business by KD and Co.
- TommyHawk

I didn't do an exhaustive search, but I was not able to find any comps for Vlasic that were drastically more than his contract. His cousin notwithstanding, most D-men of his ilk rank right around his number and the fact this he didn't have a lot of history and it being his second contract likely played into it.

This appears to be a good deal for both the team and the player. No NMC or M-NTC and at a reasonable cost and term.

Maybe KFC did learn something from watching the previous regime's mistakes with some contracts.

So far so good.

It's a fair deal. Solid player nice to have him locked in.

An 8 year deal after would take him to 36 so getting through his career on two deals is pretty neat thing. Less BS to deal with.

Our best young defenseman signed for a good AAV and term. Put this in the plus column for KFC.

It's a fair deal. Solid player nice to have him locked in.

An 8 year deal after would take him to 36 so getting through his career on two deals is pretty neat thing. Less BS to deal with.
- fattybeef

I'm sure we can expect to see something similar with Bedard.

I'm sure we can expect to see something similar with Bedard.
- Chunk

Yep… $4M AAV / 8yr term sounds about right.

I didn't do an exhaustive search, but I was not able to find any comps for Vlasic that were drastically more than his contract. His cousin notwithstanding, most D-men of his ilk rank right around his number and the fact this he didn't have a lot of history and it being his second contract likely played into it.
- Chunk

It was a simple calculation. KD took out his Made in China calculator, divided Seth Jones' salary by 2 and told Vlasic's agent his boy is only worth about half of what Jones makes. Everybody went away happy.

I didn't do an exhaustive search, but I was not able to find any comps for Vlasic that were drastically more than his contract. His cousin notwithstanding, most D-men of his ilk rank right around his number and the fact this he didn't have a lot of history and it being his second contract likely played into it.
- Chunk

I think you are absolutely right. There are similar Dmen that came in around this value. Vlasic got a really fair contract based on his play this year. Great deal for both sides and if Vlasic can manage to grow his game and add some offense, then great bargain for the Hawks and he sets himself up for a good next contract before age 30.

I'm skeptical that Vlasic will ever have the offensive production to get him into the big money, but he is looking like a solid contributor and good piece to keep long term. Glad they signed him.

If they project him as BPA where they are picking, plus he's a RHD, that works.
- HawkintheD

Assuming the Hawks don't select #1 overall this will be an exciting draft (not that drafting #1 wouldn't be) because there are 5-6 great prospects that can be selected in the 2-4 range.

I agree that either a RHD or scoring forward is the top need, but if the Hawks believe D!ckinson is truly the BPA then go for it.

I know SD is a LHD, but if he's a true #1 and gives the Hawks two awesome LHD (him and Vlasic) to build around. By no means am I writing of Korschinski, I think he has a bright future, but it wouldn't be the end of the world if he's a 3rd pairing PP specialist (a la Brian Campbell).