Blackhawks are putting winning ahead of money, Frank Nazar reveals

Frank Nazar took time during the NHL Player Media Tour to explain how the Chicago Blackhawks look going into the future.

In an interview with The Hockey News, he talked about his contract, teammates, and the franchise going forward. Most importantly, he outlined how the team is focused on success rather than salary.

After signing his $46.2 million deal, which runs through the 2032-33 season, Nazar hopes to prove to be a valuable asset in the future. He explained that while the money was life-changing, the decision was also important for the team's future.

Nazar admittedly left a lot of money on the table after signing his deal; something many of his teammates have done and this will likely pay off in years to come. Based on Nazar's comments, it seems the team has a collective understanding of the importance of improving as a whole. Leaving money on the table appears to be a key part of that approach.

Both Nazar and Connor Bedard did so, giving the team more flexibility in the future.

It seems Nazar understands that it is all about earning in this league. He explained how the contract will allow him to live a good life and, most of all, encourage him to improve and move on to an even better deal.

Taking team-friendly deals and leaving money for other sectors is something they're really buying into. With several important contracts coming up, it looks like Chicago is all-in on improving the group.

Many contracts are yet to come for Chicago

Over the next couple of years, the Blackhawks are set to have a bundle of young free agents. Young talents like Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and Oliver Moore all expire at the end of this season and are likely on the verge of some big deals. With the increasing salary cap and player salary demands, Chicago may need to give up a lot of cash.

However, Nazar explained everybody is in on the long-term plan, but it still may be tricky for Chicago.

Navigating contracts for young players who haven't particularly established themselves can always be difficult. Throughout the last two seasons, players like Nazar and Bedard have signed team-friendly deals. Players like Wyatt Kaiser and Kevin Korchinski signed nice bridge deals. But you never know what kind of demand is around the corner.

From what Nazar revealed, it seems like Chicago is taking a similar approach to the likes of San Jose. Having lots of youth with high upside is tough to maintain financially. But the Sharks are the perfect model example. Their youth have begun to take lesser deals. And higher salaries have been given to the more instant-impact players.

Everything suggests Chicago will do the same, and it's already been highlighted with Bedard and Patrick Kane's contracts.

In a league where the cap is constantly rising, it is tough to get good deals. Although for Chicago, Nazar's comments suggest they are all-in on the team, not just as individuals.

If players like Levshunov and Rinzel take team-friendly deals and leave money on the table in negotiations, the Blackhawks seem to be on track for a bright future. The key to success in the NHL is spreading the money. Chicago seems to be backing that concept.

Down the line, players will earn big contracts, but the understanding of leaving money to fast-track success is exciting and positive for fans.

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