Defenseman Alex Vlasic and the Chicago Blackhawks agreed on a six-year, $27.6 million contract extension through the 2029-30 season.

Vlasic could have become a restricted free agent on July 1.

“Alex made enormous strides this year and proved he is a legitimate top-four defenseman in the NHL,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said Thursday. “In his first full season in the NHL, Alex established himself as an important piece of our young core, and we’re excited to have him with us for the next six years.”

Vlasic, 22, is a local product from Wilmette, Ill., about 20 miles north of United Center.

The Blackhawks selected him in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. He went on to play three seasons at Boston University, then spent time between with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League and the Blackhawks before becoming a fixture in Chicago in the 2023-24 season.

In 76 games, he posted 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) with an average ice time of 21:29 — second on the team.