Alex Vlasic may be a long shot to make the U.S. roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, but he’s at least entered the conversation.
He broke out last season as a shutdown defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks and is coming along with his offense this season. The decision is on Vlasic’s mind in some capacity. He was asked to play for the U.
S. at the World Championship in the spring, and that was a more loaded roster. Advertisement “I’m not worried about it,” Vlasic said.
“I think they’ve got so many guys to choose from. If it comes down to me, I’d be honored to go and I’d be so thankful for that opportunity. But, yeah, I think I’m just focusing on what we’re having here and playing for the Hawks.
” Regardless, Vlasic keeps it all in perspective. He’s come a long way in a short time. “It’s kind of crazy to think,” Vlasic said.
“If you had told me a couple years ago that I’d be going to worlds, especially with the roster that they put together last year, I feel like I’d be pretty shocked. Honestly, I was a little bit last year. It was really cool for me and eye-opening that people were seeing my play, and they thought they could use my help there.
” Vlasic has been pleased with his improved offense, but he still feels like there is more to come. “I think I’m trying to do it slowly, you know, step by step,” Vlasic said. “I don’t want to all of a sudden try to be dangling guys or anything like that.
Just trying to implement some things, g.