New coach, big contract, same Frank Nazar

If there is one thing hockey players hate the most, it’s talking about themselves. That is not the case for Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar. While he remains humble, he has a certain confidence and swagger that separates him from the rest of the locker room. He believes that he is a great hockey player, and that is helping him become one. The 2025-26 season is his first full NHL season, and after signing a big contract extension, the expectations are raised. However, Nazar is not phased by the added pressure.

Roller Coaster Season Ends on High Note

Blackhawks fans were excited to see what Nazar could do after he scored a goal during his three-game stint at the end of the 2023-24 season. However, a slow training camp had him starting the season in the American Hockey League with the Rockford IceHogs. He quickly adjusted to the AHL and became the IceHogs' best player with 11 goals and 24 points in 21 games.

Nazar was recalled to Chicago shortly after Anders Sorensen took over for the dismissed Luke Richardson. It was no coincidence that the Blackhawks waited until after they made the coaching change to call him up. Not only did Nazar have success with Sorensen, but he also avoided playing under the defensive-minded Richardson, which could have stunted his offensive progress.

The Blackhawks really hit their stride after the trade deadline in early March. The locker room got a lot younger, and Nazar led the charge on the ice. He finished the season with six goals and 10 points over his final 11 games.

“It was a lot of fun. It started off different, a little harder,” Nazar said of his first professional season. “As the year went on, it became a lot of fun. It helped to have a lot of younger guys my age and guys that I knew to play with. It turned the sadness of losing into some joy and excitement to have around the rink. Hockey is supposed to be a fun sport, and when you’re playing with a bunch of guys you’ve known for a while and have a connection with, it makes it fun.”

Nazar carried his strong finish into the IIHF World Championships, where he was one of the most dynamic players for Team USA. He had six goals and 12 points in 10 tournament games, helping the United States to the gold medal. Playing at a high level in games that mattered will only help him become a better player.

“It was huge to play with guys of that caliber and have success. I learned a lot from the World Championships. I got that taste of winning and coming together as a team, and that’s something I want to focus on. It builds a lot of confidence heading into the season.”

Nazar Will Thrive Under New Coaching Staff

The hiring of Jeff Blashill was met with a lot of shoulder shrugs. However, the way he wants the Blackhawks to play will only help Nazar reach new heights. Blashill said right off the bat at his introductory press conference that he wants his team to play to its strengths. He acknowledged that this group’s biggest strength is its skating and speed. He wants the Blackhawks to play with a high pace, which plays right into Nazar’s game.

“I love it,” Nazar said of playing fast. “That’s my game. So, the more we can play off of that, the more it will benefit me and the team. When you play the top teams in the league, they’re constantly moving at a high pace and keeping you on your heels. That’s tough to keep up with. Not every team can play a full three periods like that. So, it’s a good step in the right direction for us.”

Nazar has spent his offseason getting stronger and faster. He has also joked about finishing more of his breakaway chances this upcoming season. He could have easily had at least five more goals last season with a little more finish. That is something that should improve this season as his confidence grows.

When Nazar signed his seven-year, $42.6 million contract extension last month, the expectations shot up as much as his salary did. Even though that deal doesn’t kick in until the start of next season, the pressure to perform has ramped up. If you listen to the young forward, there is no added pressure. It’s business as usual for him.

“Honestly, I don’t see any pressure,” he said of the new contract. “I’m going to go into each season and each day thinking I’m the best and believing in what I can do. It’s the same me, just with a little bonus for my play. I’m still super motivated and still want to be the best that I can be. Now I just want to win more.”

Last season, Nazar found success centering Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen. Those were his linemates for his hot streak to close out the year. There is no reason why this won’t be the Blackhawks’ second line to start the season. Bertuzzi had the best season of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, playing for Blashill. He scored 30 goals during the 2021-22 season, playing much of the season with speedy center Dylan Larkin. Sound familiar?

Nazar should get a lot more power-play time this season, likely on the top unit. He should be a weapon on the penalty kill, too. He is responsible enough to play solid defense, and his speed will be lethal when catching the other team off guard. He can easily score three to five shorthanded goals.

So, what are the expectations for Nazar this season? Can he keep up that point-per-game pace we saw in the final 11 games of the season and into the World Championships? While that could be possible down the road, it is unlikely at this point in his career. Playing a full season with a head coach who will use his speed as a weapon should lead to a significant uptick in production. Add a little more puck luck than he had last season, and Nazar could hit the 20-25 goal range. If he can find magic with Bertuzzi, a 60-point season is not an unfair projection.

Nazar loves playing with a chip on his shoulder. He will prove those who criticized the new contract wrong. And he will do it with a smile on his face.