Veteran Martinez Embraces New Challenge, Aims to Mentor Young Blackhawks

Three-time Stanley Cup champion Alec Martinez joins the Chicago Blackhawks, ready to share his experience with the team’s young core.

Martinez, a 36-year-old defenseman, signed a one-year deal with Chicago on July 1st. Having won the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings (2012, 2014) and the Vegas Golden Knights (2023), he brings a winning pedigree to a Blackhawks team in the midst of a rebuild.

“I’m excited,” Martinez said. He’s impressed with the moves the Blackhawks made in free agency, including veterans like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen. “We’re going to be pretty good, too,” he predicted.

While the Blackhawks aim to improve on last season’s record, another key objective is fostering the development of young players like defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic. Martinez is eager to take on a mentor role.

“I’ve learned from some special players,” he said, acknowledging his own experiences with veterans like Rob Scuderi and Dustin Brown. “I’d like to think I know what it takes to win.”

Martinez boasts 277 points in his NHL career and extensive playoff experience (37 points in 131 games). Last season with Vegas, he averaged nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game.

Looking back at his own career, Martinez emphasizes the value of mentorship. “There’s a learning curve,” he said. “Having good people around you shows you how to be a pro.”

His decision to join Chicago was influenced by positive conversations with GM Kyle Davidson, as well as former opponents Nick Foligno and Connor Murphy (his teammate at the 2018 World Championship).

Martinez embraces the new challenge in Chicago. “This is a situation I wanted to be a part of,” he concluded.