Chicago Blackhawks' season could be altered if latest injury news to young star turns sour

Even though the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 4-1, it came at a cost in the form of an injury to a key defenseman.

Defenseman Alex Vlasic was forced from the game after taking a hit in the 3rd period while trying to clear the puck from his own zone. He was clearly shaken up and went to the bench and didn't return.

The Blackhawks have since confirmed that he is considered day to day through analyst Ben Pope.

He has not been present with the team since, including practices, which are crucial before the NHL's opening night in just one weeks time.

Vlasic was taken with the 43rd overall pick by the Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and eventually signed a 3 year entry level contract with the club in 2022.

He later followed that up with an extension in 2024.

Last year, he was one of a handful of Blackhawks players to play in all 82 regular season games, and he had 30 points (4G, 26A).

His injury took place in what was his 1st appearance in the preseason, and right now his status for Chicago's game to open the regular season on October 7 against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers hasn't been determined.

If the Blackhawks are forced to play without him to start the new year, it would be a considerable setback against their blue line and it would force other players to compensate for his absence.