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It was a matter of when…not if…but it’s now official.
2022 first-round pick (13th overall) Frank Nazar, considered by many to be the Blackhawks’ top prospect, has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the team. The deal begins immediately, and carries a cap hit of $950,000 per year.
This means Nazar will see game action with Chicago this season and is expected to play on Sunday, when the Carolina Hurricanes visit the United Center for the Blackhawks’ final home game of the season.
Nazar joins Chicago after a stellar career at the University of Michigan. In 54 games with the Wolverines from 2022-24, he recorded 48 points (19 G, 29 A). Michigan was just eliminated from the Frozen Four, losing to Boston College 4-0 on Friday. Nazar is a highly skilled forward who can play center or wing. The 20-year old made headlines with a between-the-legs passing play some are calling, “The Michigan 2.0.”
Head coach Luke Richardson was asked about the forward on Friday. “Nazar is impressive to me. He gets around the ice and really seems to read the play well… It’s exciting we might have a chance to have a look at him. I’m sure it’s disappointing for him not to be in the finals, but I think he had a really great year, so that’s looking good for us.”
With Nazar playing with Chicago this season, the first year of his deal gets burned after just three games. That means he’ll reach his first (restricted) free agency period at the same time Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, and Ethan Del Mastro reach theirs. While this may not seem ideal, GM Kyle Davidson has implied that sometimes it’s advantageous for players to hit free agency sooner, before they’ve hit higher stats and increased their values.
Lukas Reichel is a great example of this practice. He signed with the Blackhawks (under Stan Bowman) in the summer of 2021-22. He only played 11 games that season, but the first year of his contract was burned. Now, instead of reaching free agency next summer, he’s a free agent this coming summer. Because he’s yet to find his scoring consistency, he will come much more affordably. With another pro season under his belt, perhaps Reichel starts scoring more consistently, therefore making him a more expensive free agent.
If Nazar is great right away next season, Davidson will have to work out deals with four strong young players at the same time. Chances are his instincts will be correct, but it’s still a risk.
The Blackhawks are back in action on Sunday vs Carolina. The CHGO Blackhawks Podcast will be live as soon as the game ends, so don’t miss it!
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