"The league seems to be going in a bleak direction due to the increasing salary cap and the rise of young players to stardom. This trend is mainly circulating around developing teams in small and big markets but presenting an emphasis specifically around teams that are undergoing a prolonged rebuild. With the Chicago Blackhawks tossing and turning between taking that next step towards contention, extending a forward that has had one semi-full year in the NHL seems to be perplexing to say the least."
"Drafted 13th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022 after taking part in a semi-three-way trade, Nazar is now being slated as the Blackhawks' next second-line center. After showcasing a promising stint in juniors, two full years at the University of Michigan, winning gold at the 2025 World Championships with Team USA, and now more than half of a year in the NHL, Chicago elected to present him with a massive extension that kicks in 2026-2027."
"Frank Nazar is being heralded as the next generation of centers and is poised to play as Connor Bedard's understudy for the next eight years now. While Nazar had a great preseason and has been exemplary outside the NHL, he has been quite average from his first year in the NHL and now in his second. In his first season in the league, Nazar has posted 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points in 53 games."
Frank Nazar was drafted 13th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022 after a semi-three-way trade and is projected as the club's next second-line center. Nazar posted a promising junior career, played two full years at the University of Michigan, and won gold at the 2025 World Championships with Team USA. He has more than half a season of NHL experience, recording 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points in 53 games. Chicago awarded him a massive extension that begins in 2026-2027, prompting questions about value, expectations, and the team’s rebuilding direction.
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