Now that four teams remain in the 2024 NCAA hockey tournament, let’s look at the prospects representing the Chicag
o Blackhawks in the tournament. The Blackhawks currently have three prospects remaining in the Frozen Four. They are a part of either the University of Michigan Wolverines, Boston University Terriers, and University of Denver Pioneers, respectively. The Boston College Eagles are the other team competing in this year’s final four of the Frozen Four tournament.
Chicago Blackhawks Prospects Representing Their Universities
Frank Nazar (University of Michigan)
The 13th overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft is widely considered the best of Chicago Blackhawks prospects. Despite injuries cutting his freshman season short, Nazar has been a point-per-game player in his sophomore year at Michigan. Nazar has 17 goals and 24 assists in 40 games this season. Nazar recorded points in both game one and two of the Frozen Four. In game one, Nazar scored a game-tying goal in the second period against North Dakota. The goal came after a redirection off the skate of Michigan’s Josh Eernisse leading to an open net for Nazar.
In game two, Nazar recorded a highlight real assist to Gavin Brindley on a 2-on-1 to extend Michigan’s lead over Michigan State. Nazar also showed off his impressive puckhandling ability throughout the game. He especially showed this skill with a toe drag at the 9:35 mark in the second period around the Spartans Jeremy Davidson. Nazar has a bright future in Chicago despite it being unknown when he may sign with the team. With Nazar’s excellent vision and passing, the possibility of him feeding Connor Bedard someday is scary.
Ryan Greene (Boston University)
Another of the Chicago Blackhawks prospects is a Newfoundland native. Ryan Greene has recorded 36 points through 39 games at Boston University this season. The 57th overall pick in the 2022 draft recorded a glove side goal on a 2-on-1 in BU’s 6 to 3 win over Rochester Institute of Technology in round one. Greene then recorded four shots on goal in Boston’s 6 to 3 win over University of Minnesota. In addition to his four shots, he also went 12 for 19 on face-offs.
His large frame and smooth stride make Greene a very intriguing prospect. It is easy for Greene to be overlooked due to him playing with top 2024 draft prospect Macklin Celebrini. Despite this Greene has developed nicely at Boston the past two years. Greene has also played significant minutes on the BU penalty kill this year which is a good sign to come for Chicago. Greene has always been well regarded due to his defensive game, but his increase in scoring production needs to be noted.
Aidan Thompson (University of Denver)
Aidan Thompson is a former third round pick of the Hawks in 2022 and rounds out our three remaining prospects representing the Chicago Blackhawks. Thompson has recorded 11 goals and 19 assists in 42 games this season with Denver. Thompson’s numbers have dipped this season after playing at a point per game pace last year. Thompson has recorded 6 shots on goal in Denver’s tournament wins over the University of Massachusetts and Cornell. Thompson nearly recorded an assist on Miko Matikka’s one timer at the 17:56 mark of the third period against Cornell. Similar to Greene, Thompson also made his impact felt in the face-off dot. He went 9 for 18 against UMass and 4 for 9 against Cornell.
The big problem with Thompson has been his two-way game. His defence is a big reason why he didn’t see much playing time in overtime against Cornell. Becoming more aware in his own end will be a big key for Thompson’s development. Even with his numbers down though, Thompson has shown good goal scoring ability in the past with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.
Ryan Greene and Aidan Thompson’s Boston University and University of Denver will play each other on April 11th. While Frank Nazar and Michigan will take on Boston College also on the 11th. All of these Chicago Blackhawks prospects will now have a chance to take home a NCAA National Championship before they embark on their NHL careers.
Main photo: Nick King/Lansing State Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK
