The Chicago Blackhawks recalled their top prospect Frank Nazar from the minor leagues on Friday.
At the same time, the team placed defenseman Alec Martinez on injured reserve, effective from Dec. 7. Martinez, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Blackhawks in free agency, is dealing with a neck injury.
Nazar, 20, had 11 goals and 13 assists in 21 games with Rockford of the American Hockey League. He said he tried not to focus on the possibility of a call-up while playing with the IceHogs.
“I just play my game, focus on myself and obviously help the team win, best I could do, and let the rest come,” he said.
This move brings Nazar back together with Anders Sorensen, who had been coaching Rockford before taking the interim head coach position with Chicago after Luke Richardson was fired on Dec. 5.
“It’s definitely really nice just to have someone that I know and trust and have a good relationship with,” Nazar said. “I know that he’s going to give good feedback and everything like that, and just help out in areas where I need it.”
Nazar was selected by the Blackhawks with the No. 13 pick in the 2022 draft. After a strong performance at the University of Michigan, the forward signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks in April.
Nazar played three games with Chicago at the end of last season, scoring a goal on his first shot in his NHL debut on April 14 against Carolina.
With the Blackhawks being active in free agency, they had Nazar start the season with Rockford to continue his development. However, his impressive performance in the minors made a strong case for him to return to the NHL.
“Frank’s played very well,” general manager Kyle Davidson said last week when asked about Nazar’s promotion. “He’s been a real bright spot for us and his performance has been really exciting.”
Chicago (9-18-2) has lost six of their last seven games heading into Saturday’s game at New Jersey. They will begin a three-game homestand on Sunday against the New York Islanders.
Nazar is expected to play on a line with Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi against the Devils. Sorensen said his advice for Nazar is to trust his instincts.
“He’s been playing real well down there,” Sorensen said. “He can drive a puck and just kind of play his game, right? And then as we go, after the game we’ll talk more.”
