TEMPE, Ariz. — Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic’s concussion couldn’t have happened at a worse time.
The towering rookie was injured Friday by a hit from Golden Knights forward Brett Howden — a hit that was late and high, although it wasn’t egregious and didn’t involve direct contact to the head.
Vlasic was sent back to Chicago with no timetable to return. The Hawks called up Isaak Phillips, another intriguing defensive prospect, from Rockford of the AHL to take Vlasic’s place before their 8-1 blowout loss Monday to the Coyotes.
The injury interrupts an impressive start to the season for Vlasic, 22, who has looked comfortable and competent on both ends of the ice and had three assists in eight games.
Although fellow rookie Kevin Korchinski also has held his own — and Hawks coach Luke Richardson said Monday it’s ‘‘safe to assume’’ Korchinski will remain on the roster past the 10-game threshold — Vlasic arguably has been even better.
‘‘You can see he’s made that growth from last year,’’ veteran Connor Murphy said. ‘‘He always had the talent . . . but it seemed like this year he definitely took charge. Every game this season he stepped up and really showed what he can do. It’s brutal how that can happen when you’re playing so well.’’
Vlasic’s growth has been especially evident in two areas: using his 6-6 frame and long reach to break up plays and get his stick on pucks in the defensive zone and making stretch passes to exit the zone and create counterattacking opportunities.
‘‘It’s harder for guys that are that tall to . . . be able to time it [correctly] with your feet, your skating ability and having control of the puck to make clean passes,’’ Murphy said. ‘‘He’s been doing a really good job of that.’’
Phillips gets a break
As disappointing as it is for Vlasic, the injury creates a well-deserved opportunity for Phillips, 22, who looked solid and felt confident during training camp but ended up being the last player cut from the opening-night roster.
‘‘I was definitely disappointed,’’ Phillips said. ‘‘It’s just one of those things that you can choose to take it as an insult or take it as a positive and have that chip on your shoulder.’’
The final season of Phillips’ entry-level contract remains important for establishing his career trajectory. If he significantly exceeds expectations in the next week or two, it might make the Hawks think twice about sending him back to Rockford once Vlasic clears concussion protocols.
Reaction to tragedy
Former Penguins forward Adam Johnson’s tragic death Saturday — after his neck was cut by a skate blade during a pro game in England — has shaken the hockey world.
Hawks rookie Connor Bedard let a little more emotion than normal seep into his voice Sunday when he was asked about the tragedy, which he called a ‘‘freak accident.’’
‘‘Man, that’s awful,’’ Bedard said. ‘‘Obviously, [it’s] so sad for him and his family and everything. It’s hard to think about that.’’
The English Ice Hockey Association announced it will require neck guards to be worn by all players starting in 2024, and Richardson said he expects some NHL players to consider doing the same.
‘‘That’s one of the fastest games on earth with razor blades on the bottom of your feet,’’ Richardson said. ‘‘I think it’s going to graduate up. It’s going to be like a [helmet] visor situation where the younger guys are just automatically wearing it. You have to provide the information to the older guys. Some will wear it and some won’t, probably.’’
