The Chicago Blackhawks did not have a great season on the ice in 2024-25. Connor Bedard had some struggles despite a generally solid season. And the team slumped to a brutal finish. However, there were some bright spots, including rookie forward Frank Nazar.
Nazar had some hype behind him, to be fair. He is a former first-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. The former Michigan product started this past season with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. However, he earned a call-up to the Blackhawks, making his season debut against the New Jersey Devils on December 14.
Nazar became a fixture in Chicago’s lineup following his promotion. In fact, he carved out a role as the team’s second-line center during the season. In the end, he finished with 12 goals and 26 points in 53 games while averaging more than 15 minutes a game.
The Blackhawks forward has a lot of momentum behind him. And one NHL writer believes a breakout season could be in store. The Hockey Writers reporter Gail Kauchak sees a potentially huge season in store for Nazar.
“Seeing as Nazar has pretty much excelled at every level of hockey he’s touched over the past year, it’s safe to say this could lead to good things headed into the Blackhawks’ 2025-26 campaign,” Kauchak wrote. “There’s no doubt Nazar will be given more minutes and more responsibility in all facets of the game in the 2025-26 campaign, allowing him plenty of opportunities to shine.”
Blackhawks Offseason Could Signal Vote of Confidence
Luke Hales/Getty ImagesChicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar showed a ton of promise in 2024-25.
Kauchak’s assessment certainly has its merits. The Blackhawks were always going to place an importance on young stars like Nazar, given their rebuilding status. However, they had a chance to make a major swing for established talent this summer. And they didn’t take this swing.
The Blackhawks could have added a number of young stars. Marco Rossi would have been a fantastic addition, for instance. A move for someone like Mitch Marner or Noah Dobson made a lot of sense, as well. And yet, Chicago remained mostly restrained, simply adding depth and taking fliers on potential rebound candidates.
Of course, these moves are difficult to pull off. Furthermore, it’s not like this team is a Marner or Dobson away from playoff contention. Still, this shows they are comfortable with Nazar as the second-line center. That is a massive vote of confidence heading into 2025-26.
Frank Nazar Could See Time Alongside Connor Bedard
Kauchak also made an interesting point. Nazar was deployed as the second-line center for most of his time in the NHL. However, he also saw time alongside Bedard on the first line. The Michigan product is not limited to this role.
Nazar can play on the wing. He more than handles himself when playing down the middle. But if Chicago needs a spark, he can jump up the lineup and provide support for Bedard.
New head coach Jeff Blashill has a lot of options heading into this new season. No matter where Blashill plays him, though, Nazar certainly has a chance to establish himself as a rising star during the 2025-26 campaign.
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