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Vlasic is ‘the Rob Blake for’ the Sharks

San Jose Sharks v Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 14: Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks tries to control the puck while playing the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on January 14, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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One of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL, San Jose’s Marc-Edouard Vlasic (aka Pickles) received quite the compliment recently from his coach, Todd McClellan.

“He is a big part of our team,” McLellan said, per NHL.com. “I thought six years ago when I started here, he was a very good defenseman. He was partnered with Rob Blake and was very comfortable with that. When Blake retired, it took him a little while to get used to playing with different people.

“Now, he’s the go-to guy. He’s the Rob Blake for us.”

Vlasic, 26, is tied for third among NHL defensemen with nine points, behind only PK Subban and Erik Karlsson, the two most recent Norris Trophy winners.

Vlasic was also one of 17 blue-liners invited to Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp in August.

The way he’s playing right now, he may just end up going to Sochi.