With Vlasic’s increased role, he already eclipsed 20 minutes in ice time two times in his first four games, something that happened only three times in 75 games last season. A year after he was seventh among all Sharks defensemen in shorthanded time on ice, Vlasic, after four games, is now second behind only Mario Ferraro, helping the team kill all 12 penalties they’ve taken so far. Vlasic, in a second-pairing role, has been on the ice for only one of the 11 even-strength goals the Sharks have allowed so far this season. While Quinn is still waiting for some of his top players to make an impact in what’s been an 0-4-0 start, Vlasic, 35, has provided what Quinn has needed - a steadying presence on a defense corps that underwent some major changes since last season. You’re going to play against up lines, you’re going to kill penalties.” “I don’t know what’s gone on before I got here, but you’re a guy we’re going to lean on. “I said, ‘Listen, you’re part of the solution here,’ ” Quinn said last week. ![]() Quinn’s message for Vlasic was clear: The Sharks still need you. "I go out there to make the right plays against the best players and just try to win hockey games.David Quinn went to Montreal this summer to meet with Marc-Edouard Vlasic, part of the first-year Sharks coach’s mini-tour of Eastern Canada to personally introduce himself to some of the team’s veteran players. "I'm the same guy now as when I arrived, just 14 years older," Vlasic said. That's Vlasic, day in and day out, producing with unwavering consistency. "He might not get all the recognition in the media and such, but everybody in the hockey world knows what he brings to a team," Marleau said. Vlasic won gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, was on the championship team at the World Cup of Hockey 2016, and played for runners-up at the 20 IIHF World Championship. His 11 goals in 2017-18 and 39 points in 2015-16 are his NHL highs.īut his defensive-zone play is never in question and is the reason he has been a popular choice for Canada national teams. Vlasic has not put up big offensive numbers in his career. "It might have taken a little while to figure out our tendencies, accepting what we are and utilizing each other as the best possible way, but it's going great, and hopefully it stays that way for a long time." "He's a guy who has been around a long time, and he's been a good player in this league for a long time," said Karlsson, who is in his second season in San Jose. The list includes Scott Hannan, Craig Rivet, Rob Blake, Dan Boyle, Brent Burns, Justin Braun and currently Erik Karlsson, a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy voted the best defenseman in the NHL (2011-12, 2014-15). He credits a lot of his success with always playing with responsible defense partners. Vlasic, who has consecutive games streaks of 255 and 217, holds the San Jose record for single-season rating (plus-31 in 2013-14). Now in his 14th NHL season and under contract for six more, Vlasic is in the top 10 in Sharks history in regular-season games (third 999), assists (sixth 248), points (eighth 320), shots on goal (seventh 1,399), Stanley Cup Playoff games (third 142) and playoff rating (first plus-20). "He goes about his business, works hard each and every night, and is a huge part of this team. ![]() "He's Steady Eddie," said forward Patrick Marleau, who has played the most games in Sharks history (1,523). Recognized as an elite defender, it wasn't long before Vlasic was matched up against opponents' top lines, pitting him against the likes of Jaromir Jagr, Joe Sakic, Brendan Shanahan, Keith Tkachuk, Mike Modano, Jarome Iginla and Bill Guerin, who later was a teammate. Video: Vlasic wires a wrist shot past Vasilevskiy ![]() "It's like you want to play in that league, and one day you're playing against them." "Playing against the players I watched growing up was a highlight for me," Vlasic said. At 19, Vlasic was the youngest defenseman in the NHL and finished sixth in voting for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year after he had 26 points (three goals, 23 assists) and a plus-13 rating in 81 games. Vlasic entered the NHL at the start of the 2006-07 season after his third and final season with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. 35) of the 2005 NHL Draft, a pick acquired from the Calgary Flames for goalie Miikka Kiprusoff in what was the first trade of a player off the Sharks roster in general manager Doug Wilson's 16-year tenure. ![]() Vlasic was selected by San Jose in the second round (No. "You look back 13-14 years in, it goes by quickly, and have had a lot of fun doing it."
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