The Blackhawks have 2 young stars make Team USA's roster for the 2025 IIHF World Championship

The Chicago Blackhawks will have two of their young stars take the international stage this spring, as forward Frank Nazar and defenseman Alex Vlasic have been named to the U.S. Men's National Team for the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

Alex Vlasic and Frank Nazar have joined Team USA for the 2025 IIHF World Championship. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Mv7nUCVJHz
— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) April 24, 2025

Introducing the first eighteen members of the 2025 U.S. Men’s National Team! 🇺🇸#MensWorlds roster details: https://t.co/OnrdtipMAP pic.twitter.com/qoLr1rDPNn
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) April 24, 2025

Frank Nazar provides Team USA with a dynamic forward.

Nazar, 21, was selected 13th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL Draft. After wrapping up an impressive college hockey career with the Michigan Wolverines, where he posted a career-high 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 41 games during the 2023-24 season, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on April 13, 2024.

He made his NHL debut a day later and scored his first NHL goal on his first shot.

FRANK NAZAR SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL ON HIS FIRST NHL SHOT ‼️👏 pic.twitter.com/KWIeewZeR4
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 14, 2024

At the start of the 2024-25 season, Nazar was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL, where he recorded 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 21 games. His performance led to a call-up to the Blackhawks on Dec. 13, 2024.

He went on to post 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 53 games and capped off the regular season with an overtime winner against the Ottawa Senators.

Connor Bedard sets up Frank Nazar for the overtime winner, and that's how Chicago's season comes to an end. Perfect. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/mZnKvtU8Pe
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 16, 2025

Nazar brings speed, creativity, and a scoring touch to the USA's forward group. His ability to generate plays in transition, cut to the net, and contribute in clutch moments could provide an offensive boost.

Alex Vlasic has been a top-tour defenseman for the Hawks.

Vlasic, 23, has developed into a top-four defenseman for the Hawks since entering the league. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded a career-high 30 points (4 goals, 26 assists) in 82 games while averaging 23:16 of ice time per game.

He ranked second on the team in blocked shots with 157, behind Connor Murphy's 160. Vlasic consistently contributed on both ends of the ice throughout the season.

On April 25, 2024, he signed a six-year, $4.6 million contract extension, locking him in as a key piece of the Blackhawks blue line.

Vlasic adds size, reliability, and defensive skills. His shutdown game and physical presence make him a valuable addition to Team USA's blue line.

Frank Nazar provides Team USA with a dynamic forward.

Alex Vlasic has been a top-tour defenseman for the Hawks.

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