How about Frank Nazar? Even in a split pro season in which he started with the Rockford IceHogs, he has somehow managed to become one of the best players on the Chicago Blackhawks in a 53-game span.
General manager Kyle Davidson drafted Nazar 13th overall in 2022 because he loved his skating and compete. That same compete has contributed to the Blackhawks looking like a different, stronger team to end the 2024-25 season, as they collected eight points in their final eight games.
Nazar’s Play Growing on Blackhawks’ Scoresheet
Nazar’s game always looked like it would be a significant factor for the Blackhawks. It was evident when he made his NHL debut against the Carolina Hurricanes last season, winning the opening faceoff and scoring his first NHL goal soon after. But there is something different about him this season.
It seemed like there was a good 10-plus game stretch where he was creating a scoring chance, especially in the last few games, getting breakaways, multiple breakaways a game. According to Natural Stat Trick, he is fifth-best on the team in high-danger scoring chances (43) and rush attempts (8), and scoring chances (90). The issue was that he wasn’t always getting lucky with his chances, where it seemed like he could have two or more goals a night. But the dam was bound to break sometime, and it did to end the season, as he finished with eight points in his last nine games. (5 goals).
Overall, he had 26 points in 53 games, with a 44.6 FO% (Faceoff percentage).
When asked about his game’s progression, he said, “I definitely think it’s been getting a lot better. You know, I still think I have a lot more to work on, a lot more to do, but it’s been a blast just being able to get so many games in and play basically this whole year. It’s definitely a change from what I’m used to, but I think it’s a good change, and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Nazar’s Attitude Setting Tone for Blackhawks’ Future
You can tell Nazar is having fun, and his confidence has shone in the last month. It’s rubbing off on his teammates and what he has brought on and off the ice. Head coach Anders Soresensen always commended the energy he and the young guys have brought to the team since being slotted in the lineup. Yet, it’s not just his energy; it’s how it’s translated. As Nazar said when asked about the change in the team, “Anybody can talk. I think it’s more just action and leading by example.”
The production is palpable. He is creating the big chances, and he is scoring on the big ones that have changed the game for the team. For example, against the Montreal Canadiens on April 14, he scored a power-play goal to tie the game 2-2, and then ultimately got the shootout winner. Against the Ottawa Senators in the season finale on April 15, he scored the overtime-winning goal.
When the Hawks have needed someone to step up, he has been relied on and has risen to the occasion. As Captain Nick Foligno said after their win in Montreal, “Frank really drove the bus today.”
Related: 10 Thoughts on the Blackhawks’ 2024-25 Season
In Chicago, there is something to playing the game the right way. It doesn’t matter if you are not a “superstar.” If you come out and play with 100% effort every night and lay it all on the line, Chicago fans embrace that like no other. It means a lot more with the Blackhawks, especially, considering they have been trying to fix their inconsistent efforts, which have improved throughout the season. Players like Nazar, who has been one of those players, have paid dividends. Sorensen noted about him on April 15, “I thought today’s compete and work ethic was through the roof. Right? And he’s been trending this way for a long time, you know. With his pace of play, he’s hard to play against. And yeah, just really proud of him.”
Spencer Knight and Connor Bedard both mentioned the person he is off the ice with Bedard mentioning, “He’s a fun guy to play with and a fun guy to be around. He’s a really positive guy.” Knight noted Nazar is “a really good person.”
Nazar has been the heart and soul of the Blackhawks to end the season, and fans and players are looking forward to how he will progress. His skill and work ethic are among the best on the team, and once he puts it all together more consistently next season, that should benefit them even more.
There is something to these young players who want to be a part of the solution to get the Blackhawks back to contention. The ones that can be counted on to show up, and teams can never have enough of those personalities.
Nazar noted about playing for the guy beside you. But one of my favorite things he said that really ties it together, “I’m always motivated. I want to win.”
“I’m excited to see what more I can do and what more the team can have in the future.”
Heck, if that isn’t music to the Blackhawks’ ears. As he goes, the team goes, and Chicago got another excellent piece to build around.
