NHL Rumors: Blackhawks' Alex Vlasic Suffers Injury After Cut In Leg By Skate

The Chicago Blackhawks avoided a worst-case scenario after defenseman Alex Vlasic was cut on the leg by a skate blade during Sunday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Wild. 

The 24-year-old blueliner, who logged a career-high 30 points and averaged over 23 minutes per night last season, left the game early in the third period and will miss the team’s remaining exhibition matchups. 

Fortunately for Chicago, head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed that Vlasic should be ready for Opening Night on Oct. 7 against the Florida Panthers.

This was Alex Vlasic's last shift prior to leaving with an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/gWKtd5GE58

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) September 29, 2025

Blashill revealed that Vlasic was wearing cut-resistant socks at the time of the incident, which helped limit the severity of the injury. Still, the coach admitted these types of accidents are happening too frequently in the NHL, adding that the Blackhawks may look into higher levels of protective equipment for their players. 

Vlasic’s absence will give the wound time to heal, though his spot on the top pairing alongside Sam Rinzel is not in jeopardy heading into the regular season.

Chicago head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed that Alex Vlasic got cut by a skate here but fortunately he was wearing cut-resistant socks so the wound isn’t serious.

The staff will speak to players about perhaps going to a more thickened version of cut-resistant socks. #Blackhawks https://t.co/GZ2IVQs6go

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 30, 2025

Chicago’s training camp has been filled with lineup battles, and injuries have complicated things further. Forward Landon Slaggert, who has missed most of camp, is expected to return in time for the opener, while veterans Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy are also working their way back from summer procedures and nagging issues.

Photo Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images