The Chicago Blackhawks have signed a three-year contract with Frank Nazar, who is considered one of their top young players.
The agreement was announced by the Blackhawks on Saturday, shortly after Nazar’s team, Michigan, lost 4-0 to Boston College in the Frozen Four tournament. The contract will keep Nazar with the Blackhawks until the end of the 2025-26 season, with an annual salary-cap hit of $950,000.
Chicago, with a record of 23-51-5, will play their final home game of the season against Carolina on Sunday, followed by away games against Vegas on Tuesday and Los Angeles on Thursday.
The Blackhawks are hopeful that Nazar, who is 20 years old, will play a significant role in their ongoing efforts to rebuild the team. Standing at 5-foot-10, Nazar was selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
During his time at Michigan this season, Nazar participated in 41 games, scoring 17 goals and providing 24 assists. He also scored three game-winning goals.
Originally from Detroit, Nazar accumulated 19 goals and 29 assists in 54 games over two seasons with the Wolverines. Additionally, he contributed to the United States’ victory in the 2024 World Junior Championship, registering eight assists in seven games.
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson expressed his admiration for Nazar’s performance, stating that he observed some of Michigan’s Frozen Four game. Richardson mentioned that Nazar’s ability to move around the ice and read the game impressed him, and he looks forward to seeing Nazar potentially join the Blackhawks.
