Former 2022 first round pick Frank Nazar signs a three-year entry level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Nazar’s three year deal will hold an AAV of $950,000. His contract will begin immediately and will run through the 2025-26 NHL season.
BREAKING: #Blackhawks agree to terms with prospect Frank Nazar on a three-year, entry-level contract at a cap hit of $950,000.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 13, 2024
Frank Nazar Signs ELC with Blackhawks
Frank Nazar, drafted 13th overall in the 2022 NHL draft just finished his sophomore year at the University of Michigan Nazar recorded 17 goals and 24 assists in 40 games this season after injury sidelined him for a majority of his freshman year. Nazar’s Michigan team was eliminated from the NCAA Frozen Four Thursday after a 4-0 loss to Boston College. Nazar recorded a goal and an assist in Michigan’s three games during the NCAA tournament.
The 20-year old Nazar also won a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF world junior championship with Team USA. He recorded eight assists in seven games in the tournament.
With three games remanning in the Chicago Blackhawks season, it seems unlikely Nazar will join the Hawks this year. Nazar could be a good addition to a Rockford IceHogs team looking to make a run in the AHL playoffs.
What it Means
Nazar is another prospect that can try and help the team make a move up the standings. Connor Bedard has had a pretty solid rookie season. However, he’s going to need to a little more help if the Hawks want to make a move up the standings.
Chicago has a very young lineup and needs some more star power if it wants to escape the basement of the Central Division. The team will get another high draft choice that could help fill up the prospect pool.
Nazar can hopefully come in and land a hand to the big club in the 2024-25 season and beyond. There are some things to be excited about with this young roster.
Main photo by: Syndication: Lansing State Journal
