The Chicago Blackhawks introduced they signed middle Frank Nazar to a seven-year, $6.59 million AAV contract extension on Aug. 21 that may start in 2026-27.
Nazar, who was drafted 13th general in 2022, is one other massive domino of the Blackhawks’ up-and-coming core and a major signing.
Frank Nazar Extension
Basic supervisor Kyle Davidson stated about the extension, “Frank elevated his sport final season and has confirmed himself to be one of many high younger skills within the league.”
There’s something to be stated a few participant who didn’t make the crew out of coaching camp, began with the Rockford IceHogs, and labored his means as much as being one of the crucial essential gamers on the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks had been in a position to depend on him in all features attributable to his manufacturing and work ethic. Davidson famous, “He drives play utilizing his elite pace and playmaking skills, creating issues for opponents and alternatives for teammates each evening.”
It grew to become evident rapidly that he was going to be a giant a part of the crew’s future success subsequent to Connor Bedard.
Nazar had 12 targets, 14 assists, and 26 factors in 56 video games final season. As insider Elliotte Freidman tweeted, “a few sources indicating it will likely be the biggest contract ever signed by a ahead at his expertise (56 video games).” That’s no small feat.
It’s additionally good on the Blackhawks’ half to have gotten a deal accomplished as quickly as they did, as Nazar remains to be on his entry-level contract, however grew to become eligible for an extension on July 1. With the rising wage cap and the AAV they locked him in at, this deal looks as if a win each which means.
By wanting across the league, for instance, the New Jersey Devils locked Jack Hughes into an eight-year extension whereas on his entry-level deal ($8 million AAV) in 2021, which has aged fantastically for the younger star. Or Brandon Hagel on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who acquired an eight-year extension ($6.5 million AAV) in 2023, and was 11th-best in scoring within the NHL final season, making his deal a steal.
You may additionally have a look at the deal the Blackhawks gave 24-year-old defenseman Alex Vlasic final April, which was six years ($4.6 million AAV). You get the purpose. These offers are noteworthy. As Nazar continues to develop in his sport, particularly after coming off an thrilling summer time the place he received gold on the World Championships, together with incomes himself an invitation to Team USA’s Olympic Orientation Camp with Vlasic, this extension can solely profit Chicago.
Associated: Blackhawks’ Frank Nazar Primed for 2025-26 Breakout Season
21-year-old Nazar has made a reputation for himself within the NHL in a brief period of time, and subsequent season, which will likely be his first full NHL season, he’s projected to have a powerful 12 months.
Because the Hawks look to take steps ahead, these performances and extensions from their prospects are precisely how they hoped issues would pan out. As Davidson acknowledged, “Frank is an integral piece of our crew, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for the subsequent eight seasons.”
