The Chicago Blackhawks‘ challenging season doesn’t necessarily carry a negative implication, as there are plenty of opportunities for the team’s future. Fans can expect growth not only from Connor Bedard but also from other young players like Alex Vlasic and possibly Aryom Levshunov.
Although the Blackhawks are in a tough spot, they remain one of the more exciting teams to watch, thanks to the clear direction fans can see for the team’s future. One player that deserves more attention, whom I’ve mentioned briefly before, is Frank Nazar.
What has really stood out about Nazar is his performance over the last 10 games, where he’s racked up seven points, including three goals. While some may point out that two of those points came in the last six games, overall, he’s shown significant progress.
Nazar is likely to continue improving and show more consistency as the season progresses. Young players with limited experience like him often face cold streaks early on, and his recent performances aren’t surprising. When comparing his last 10 games to his first 16, the difference is clear. In his initial 16 games, Nazar only registered one goal and three points, with a low 4.8 shooting percentage. It was expected that he would figure things out eventually, and his recent games suggest he’s on the rise. As he gains more experience, Nazar should average around 0.7 to 0.75 points per game and could be primed for a strong 2025-26 season.
We won’t have to wait that long, though, as Nazar could get more playing time following the trade deadline, especially if significant roster changes happen. If that occurs, he could see his ice time increase, potentially getting closer to the 16:09 minutes he played last season during a few brief appearances, compared to the 14:40 he’s averaged this year.
The real question is where Nazar fits in the lineup. I envision him as a top-six forward, and I’m sure many of you do as well. He has the skillset to consistently play in the top six in the NHL, with a well-rounded game to boot. However, it’s important to assess where he best fits after the trade deadline, which would give the Blackhawks a clearer idea of how to utilize him. Perhaps he’s best alongside Connor Bedard, or maybe a different line would be more suitable.
No matter where the Blackhawks decide to play Nazar after the deadline, once his production becomes more consistent, he’ll find his place in the lineup. That should happen after the 4 Nations Face-Off and definitely after the trade deadline, making him one of the most intriguing storylines for the Hawks in the latter part of the season.