Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic doesn't want his team shying away from the lofty goal of making the postseason in 2026-27.
"It's a season where we're trying to make the playoffs," Vlasic told Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. "As soon as training camp starts, that's what our goal is. The sooner we establish that goal as a team, the more realistic it can be."
The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs in six straight years, finished last in the Central Division in four consecutive campaigns, and posted the league's second-worst record in 2025-26. Yet Vlasic isn't backing down from uttering the word "playoffs."
"If you're scared to use that word, it isn't a good thing," Vlasic said. "You want to be confident as a team. Up until halfway through the season last year, we were in a really good spot of potentially making the playoffs, and I think we're a better team this year and going to take steps forward.
"It's a matter of time for us. You have to have that confidence level going in, knowing we're a team that belongs there, and that will carry over to play throughout the season."
Chicago jumped out to a 10-5-4 start last year but won just three of its next 17 games to fall out of the postseason race. Connor Bedard's injury in December undoubtedly contributed to the slide.
The Blackhawks added veterans Patrick Kane, Bowen Byram, and Ian Cole this offseason to support its young, ascending core. Anton Frondell, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft, projects to play a full campaign after joining the team late last season. Roman Kantserov is among the rookies set to debut.
Vlasic, 25, has been a staple on Chicago's blue line for the last three seasons. The 6-foot-6 shutdown defender led the team in average time on ice (21:08) and blocked shots (119) in 2025-26.
