Vlasic began playing organized hockey in Montreal at the age of five under his father's coaching. As a result of his skills, Vlasic was bumped up to the novice A level at the age of seven and eventually advanced to the midget-AAA Lac St. Louis Lions.[1] He then played for the midget-AAA West Island Lions from 2002–03 being drafted to the Quebec City Remparts of the QMJHL.[2] Vlasic was chosen by the Remparts in the fourth round of the 2003 QMJHL draft after his Lac St. Louis Lions coach, Guy Boucher, convinced Patrick Roy to draft him.[1] Vlasic played two games with the Lions during the 2003–04 season[3] before being recalled the Remparts on September 16, 2003, for the remainder of the season.[4]
Although Vlasic was not originally selected to compete in the 2004 CHL Canada/Russia Series, he was chosen to replace an injured Sidney Crosby on the roster. At the time of the selection, Vlasic had accumulated two goals and nine assists through 26 games.[5]
Vlasic was drafted by the San Jose Sharks 35th overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft, using a pick exchanged for goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.[6] After making the Sharks' opening night roster at the age of 19, he made his NHL debut on October 5, 2006, against the St. Louis Blues.[7] He subsequently scored his first career NHL goal on November 22, 2006, against the Los Angeles Kings. Upon scoring the goal, Vlasic became the second youngest defenseman in franchise history to score their first NHL goal at the age of 19 years and 237 days.[8] He finished the 2006–07 season with three goals and 23 assists for 26 points through 81 games. As such, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team team alongside teammate Matt Carle.[7]
On August 27, 2008, the San Jose Sharks signed Vlasic to a four-year, $12.4 million contract extension that would keep him with the team through the 2012–13 season.[9] On July 11, 2012, the Sharks signed Vlasic to a five-year, $21 million contract extension that would keep him with the Sharks through the 2017–18 season.[10]
Early in the 2012–13 season, Vlasic became the second player from the 2005 draft class to play 500 games, and later scored his first career Stanley Cup playoffs goal, during the 2013 playoffs, against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings.[11]
On July 1, 2017, he signed a $56 million, eight-year contract extension with the Sharks.[12]
Vlasic played his 1,000th NHL game on December 14, 2019; he was only the 17th player to play his first 1,000 games with one team.[13]
Vlasic suffered an upper back injury during the off-season which resulted in him missing the start of the Sharks' 2024 training camp.[14]
.jpg)
