Chicago Blackhawks player grades: Has Frank Nazar established himself as a future NHL star?

The Chicago Blackhawks 2024-25 campaign has come to an end after a very up-and-down season. Through some much needed roster turnover, the Blackhawks ended the season with the majority of their lineup being young players, and none impressed more in the final stretch than Frank Nazar.

After many thought he would be a shoo-in to make the roster out of training camp, Nazar began the year in the AHL for the Rockford IceHogs. He quickly proved that he was ready for the next step after posting 24 points in 21 games as the team's top center playing in all scenarios.

His arrival in Chicago gave fans a sigh of relief after it was clear the Blackhawks' needed more speed and offensive flare in the lineup, though it took some time before it all would begin to come together at the NHL level.

Nazar's best attribute is his speed and it showed this season, continuously using his skating ability to create chances whether the puck was on his stick or not. He also earned himself a role on both special teams' units as a key penalty killer and routinely playing on the second powerplay unit.

Throughout 53 games this season, Nazar tallied 12 goals and 26 points. Though the point totals were not otherworldly, the amount of high-danger scoring chances Nazar was able to create prove that his totals have the potential to skyrocket in the coming years.

Where Nazar truly began to shine was in the final few games of the season, a stretch where many fans around the league took notice of the skill Nazar brings to the table. With 9 points over the final 10 games, Nazar's game took another step forward as the speed and skillset he possesses started to control the play from all areas of the ice.

Specifically, in the team's penultimate game in Montreal, Nazar made his presence known and was the best player on the ice that night.

The intensity Nazar brought to the ice that night led by example for the rest of the team as they played spoiler for a Canadiens team trying to clinch a playoff spot. Every time he was on the ice he was getting involved in the play and using his speed to shift the momentum of the game. He finished the night with a goal and an assists before scoring an illusive shootout goal that was reviewed to see if the puck went in the net as the Blackhawks' won 4-3.

In the team's final game of the season in Ottawa, Nazar scored the final goal of the campaign for the Blackhawks in overtime which left the team ending the year on a high note after a strong stretch of games where the young players brought a new life to the team.

After a slow start to the season where it felt like a matter of time before the points would start racking up, Nazar really found his footing after the trade deadline and was reaping the rewards of the chances he was generating. He also proved to be a reliable player who can be counted on in various situations while also showing he can be a leader amongst the crop of young players on the team. It seems as though the path forward for the team is clearer in sight and Nazar looks to be one of the faces of the youth movement in Chicago.

Frank Nazar's 2024-25 season grade is a B plus.