After the Blackhawks’ first morning skate of the new year, head coach Jeff Blashill provided some updates on two injured players and commented on the roster battle on the back end.
Alex Vlasic
Blashill confirmed Vlasic was cut by a skate in the preseason game in Minnesota. He’s day-to-day and they’re hopeful that he will be ready for the regular season opener in Florida, but he won’t skate in the three remaining preseason games. Blashill said Vlasic did have cut-resistant socks on but there are some stronger ones out there that the team is going to talk to Vlasic and the rest of the roster about wearing.
This was Alex Vlasic's last shift prior to leaving with an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/gWKtd5GE58
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) September 29, 2025Landon Slaggert
Slaggert was back on the ice with the Blackhawks on Tuesday morning, but he won’t play in the game against the Red Wings. Blashill said he hopes to get Slaggert up to speed and into one of the two remaining preseason games this coming weekend.
When asked about how missing time might impact Slaggert’s roster spot, Blashill basically said it hasn’t. He said he’s known Slaggert since he was 16 and knows the kind of game he plays and where he can help the Blackhawks in a number of roles. It appears the expectation is that he’ll be back in the lineup in Florida, if not before, in a bottom-six role.
Defense Roster Battle
With three preseason games remaining and Vlasic out for the rest of training camp, young Blackhawks defensemen are going to get a good chance to win a roster spot. But Blashill told us this isn’t like getting cut from a youth team; guys who start the season in Rockford will likely help the NHL club at some point. Blashill also mentioned the Blackhawks will carry seven defensemen on the NHL roster (Louis Crevier figures to be No. 7).
“Whoever we end up sending down… are guys [who] are capable of being NHL defensemen this year, and equal to some of the guys who are here.”
Ethan Del Mastro will skate with Connor Murphy on Tuesday night, while Matt Grzelcyk — a PTO camp invite — will take Vlasic’s place with Sam Rinzel. This is a big game for Grzelcyk, who’s trying to get a contract somewhere, even if it isn’t in Chicago (or Rockford).
Nolan Allan and Kevin Korchinski will sit out Tuesday night. It would appear Del Mastro, Allan and Korchinski are fighting for the final spot on the left side of the Blackhawks’ blue line.
Hence then, the article about blackhawks updates vlasic slaggert defense roster battles was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Blackhawks Updates: Vlasic, Slaggert, Defense Roster Battles )
Also on site :
- UNC Bears Quinn Denker named to men’s basketball point guard watch list
- Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal injury update on Gabriel Martinelli after penalty shoot-out victory over Crystal Palace
- Marlins land former Rays closer Pete Fairbanks for $13 million in intriguing hot stove move