The Chicago Blackhawks are hoping their young stars can take a step forward this upcoming season. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are two of the more exciting young players in the game. And they are only two of a handful of young stars coming through the Windy City.
Last week, the Blackhawks signed Nazar to a seven-year contract extension. The deal carries a cap hit of nearly $6.6 million. He receives a modified no-trade clause in the final two seasons of the contract when he becomes eligible for such protection.
Nazar showed a ton of promise during the 2024-25 season. This contract is a reflection of the faith the team has in him. However, there is an argument to be made that the young Blackhawks star could have left a few million on the table by signing long-term now.
Nazar was not worried too much about the money, however. When he took everything in, he decided that he wanted to be in Chicago for as long as possible.
“It wasn’t hard when you put all that stuff together to look at it in the long run,” Nazar said, via Sportsnet. “and see that, you know, I could be in Chicago for seven years and play with the team basically of my dreams, a team I want to be at and the city that I want to be at with a crew that you want to be with and players you want to be with. So it was an easy decision at the end.”
Frank Nazar Staying In The Moment After Contract Extension
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesFrank Nazar could be on the verge of becoming a star with the Chicago Blackhawks.
This sort of money is life-changing for a young player. It can certainly change a player, especially early in his career. At this time, though, Nazar is not letting it get to him. He’s staying in the moment and preparing the same way he always has.
“I’m going to go into each season and, you know, each day thinking that I’m the best and just like believing in my process and what I can do,” Nazar said, via Sportsnet, “and honestly, I don’t really think anything changes for me…. I’m still super motivated and still want to be the best player I can be.”
Nazar has proven that he can hang in the NHL. Now, he needs to take a step forward and prove he can be a star at this level. So far, he’s motivated to take the necessary steps. How it translates to the ice certainly remains to be seen.
Blackhawks Star Should Play Prominent Role
Chicago has one of the more promising rosters in the NHL. Alongside Nazar and Bedard, the Blackhawks are icing the likes of Alex Vlasic, Kevin Korchinski, and Spencer Knights. This is a very intriguing team, even if they’re still a ways away from contention.
Still, Nazar should be a focal point of this team. He finished last season as the second-line center. The Blackhawks did not add a top-six forward this summer. As a result, he should retain this role heading into 2025-26.
If Nazar can elevate his game, Chicago has a chance to surprise people. It’s hard to imagine they contend for the postseason. But he would form one of the more imposing center ice duos in the NHL if he becomes the star the Blackhawks envision he can become.
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