Blackhawks sign integral piece of the future in Frank Nazar to massive extension

The Chicago Blackhawks just got a major player extended before puck drop on the 2025-26 NHL Season.

Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar signed a massive seven-year contract extension carrying a $6.59 million cap hit on Thursday morning. The contract, which will begin in the 2026-27 NHL Season, will run through the 2032-33 NHL Season.

Nazar was one of a few major players entering the season on expiring deals, but with the contract extension the former first round pick is signed for the long term in the Windy City.

The Blackhawks have signed Frank Nazar to a long term extension, locking in one of their core players.

With Nazar, 21, signing a seven-year deal, the future is starting to take shape in Chicago. Although Nazar has only played in 56 NHL games in his career, and the 2024-25 NHL Season was his first full season in the NHL, the young forward has impressed in a short amount of time.

After signing Nazar, Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson said he sees the former 13th overall pick as an integral part of the team.

“Frank elevated his game last season and has proven himself to be one of the top young talents in the league,” said Davidson in a news release.“He drives play using his elite speed and playmaking abilities, creating problems for opponents and opportunities for teammates every night. Frank is an integral piece of our team, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for the next eight seasons.”

Nazar has registered 13 goals and 27 points over the course of his 56 game NHL career. After making his NHL debut late in the 2023-24 NHL Season, Nazar started last season in Rockford but quickly made his way to the NHL after being one of the IceHogs top guys.

Nazar is entering the final year of his rookie deal and this new contract will earn him a hefty pay raise next offseason. Still, it seems like this is a great deal for both sides. With the rising salary cap, Nazar's cap hit being at just $6.59 million is definitely affordable if he pans out as Davidson envisions.

The Hawks recently signed Ryan Donato to a four-year $16 million contract. That was Davidson and the Hawks awarding a forward for what he has accomplished so far in his career and believing he can continue to produce in the future. This signing is different as the Hawks are betting on what Nazar can be in the future, not paying him for his past performance.

Nazar was recently invited alongside Alex Vlasic to the United States Olympics Orientation Camp, and was a standout star during last summer's 2025 IIHF World Championship. Nazar helped the U.S. win gold, registering six goals and six assists in ten games.

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