How Alec Martinez, Alex Vlasic bonded as Blackhawks: 'We're just idiots, I guess'

CHICAGO Alec Martinez and Alex Vlasic found a quick way to demonstrate their humor without even trying.

The 37-year-old Martinez had been explaining why he and the 23-year-old Vlasic had hit it off so well as teammates on the Chicago Blackhawks blue line this season.

Martinez thought a large part of it was their similar sense of humor.

Advertisement Asked to define that humor: I think its kind of a mix of maybe a dry sense of humor and then also very childish, stupid jokes, Martinez said.

Martinez turned to Vlasic, who was standing two stalls away in the dressing room after a recent practice, and asked if he agreed.

Yeah, Vlasic said with a wide smile.

Yeah, Martinez repeated.

Yeah, Vlasic said again.

Yeah, Martinez replied.

Both began laughing.

Martinez turned his attention back to the third party in the conversation.

I dont know, just dry, but also just stupid humor.

Like slapstick, sort of, but maybe its got a tinge of like, you know, thought to it, Martinez said as Vlasic listened in and laughed.

Its not so dumb, but sometimes it is.

I dont know.

I guess thats the best way I can describe it.

Were just idiots, I guess.

In other words, its exactly the type of experience Martinez was looking for.

After 15 NHL seasons on mostly winning teams on the West Coast, Martinez sought something different this season.

He opted to sign with the Blackhawks because he saw a unique opportunity to potentially help a young group of defensemen on a rebuilding team.

When Martinez was Vlasics age and finding his footing in the NHL , Martinez had veteran defensemen like Matt Greene, Rob Scuderi and Willie Mitchell bring him along on the Los Angeles Kings.

They left a lasting impact on Martinez and he hoped this season could allow him to pay it forward.

That was kind of the biggest reasons why I was excited to come here, Martinez said.

Ive been very fortunate to learn from a lot of really good pros, a lot of really good guys, good players.

I kind of saw this as an opportunity to somewhat give back.

Blackhawks newcomers and veterans have all mentioned Martinezs presence rubbing off on the team this season, but Vlasic was always the perfect mentee candidate for him.

Vlasic is at the stage of his life and career where hes on a constant lookout for ways to improve himself, whether thats through self-help books or an incoming veteran teammate with three Stanley Cups.

There is plenty both players admire about each other, but their friendship did ignite with that humor.

When Martinez arrived in Chicago to start working out before training camp, Vlasic was already there.

They quickly discovered their similar personalities.

I feel like me and him kind of bonded, at least I believe so, right when he got here, Vlasic said.

I think we kind of have similar senses of humor.

I like that hes able to keep it light.

At the same time, I think hes one of the most mature people Ive met, honestly.

The wisdom hes able to provide just being in the NHL for so long and the success hes had, its really fun for me to kind of be able to look up to him and learn from what hes done.

Advertisement Vlasic has been like a sponge around Martinez this season.

He observes how Martinez conducts himself with the media.

He watches how he gets himself ready for games.

They arent often on the ice together, but Vlasic takes in everything Martinez does with and without the puck.

I think he treats the game the right way, treats himself the right way just in terms of how he prepares, takes care of his body, Vlasic said.

Hes a very professional hockey player.

That sounds kind of stupid, but hes a pros pro.

He does all the little things the right way.

I think especially a year like this where theres not too many positive things going on right now, theres room for growth.

You kind of have to reach for those things.

Maybe I can improve myself here, maybe even if its away from the rink if I can do little things in life that will make me a better person and a better player.

I think thats kind of been my goal.

Martinez has noticed Vlasic noticing, too.

Its one of the traits Martinez has liked about him.

Hes got a really big future in this game, Martinez said.

Credit to him, Im not saying hes just looking at me, but hes a very observant guy and thats important as a young guy.

You want to be able to have examples of both sides the way to do things and the way not to do things, you know, I dont want to be that.

I guess the jury will be out on which side of that example Im setting for him.

As a young guy, he just genuinely cares.

That kind of shines through the little stuff that you see, too.

Theres plenty more to why Martinez believes Vlasic will have his own lengthy successful career.

He puts the work in off the ice, Martinez said.

About his game, the guy, hes huge, he can skate, hes got great hands, hes got great vision.

Some of the plays hes been making as of late, little pop plays to the middle those are some high-end plays in this league.

Not everyones making those at a consistent rate the way he is.

I really cant say enough about the guy.

He can contribute at both ends of the rink.

Hes reliable, very good defensively, and thats what you want to be in this league.

First and foremost, you want to be reliable in your own end, and that allows you to produce more offense.

Thats what he does.

He makes plays with his feet, his hands, his head.

Advertisement Martinez hasnt had a chance to play as much as he expected this season due to injuries including one where he was hit in the neck with a puck and ended up in the emergency room and has appeared in just 25 games.

Whether he sees out the season with the Blackhawks could be largely up to him.

His name has been coming up as the trade deadline approaches, but the Blackhawks will only explore moving him if thats what Martinez wants.

Martinez said recently he hadnt thought too much about the trade deadline and was focused on the Blackhawks.

He said hes also unsure how much longer he wants to continue playing.

Hes on a one-year contract this season.

I dont know, said Martinez, who also recently became a father.

Ive had a lot going on this month (January).

Its been kind of taking it day by day.

I havent really thought about stuff like that.

Whenever Martinez does move on from the Blackhawks, he can know his objective for the season was achieved.

Vlasic is proof, but it goes beyond that.

I think hes a guy who has done it all in this league, Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno said.

Hes won.

Hes been on impactful teams.

Hes been an impactful player still is.

I think he has a calmness to him.

I think it helps a young D corps, even (Seth Jones), who already has a kind of calm demeanor.

He just helps calm him down, too, when he feels like he has a lot on his plate.

I think hes done great.

Its too bad hes gotten injured this year.

I think he would have liked to be around a little bit more.

But hes been so good even in that position where hes talking to guys.

Hes vocal in the room.

Hes fun to be around.

He keeps things light, but also knows when to interject and kind of say his peace.

Hes been a valuable, valuable guy to have around here this year, for sure.

(Top photo of Alec Martinez and Alex Vlasic with teammates at the Winter Classic: Patrick McDermott / NHLI via Getty Images).

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