Frank Nazar looks ready to take another step with the Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard desperately needed help earlier in the 2025-26 NHL season, and help did come... it was just a little too late.

The final eight games this season showed an improved team, especially from the young guns. However, Frank Nazar showed his best game at the end, and he carried that momentum into the IIHF World Championship against the likes of Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, David Pastrnak, Tim Stutzle, and more.

He finished with 12 points in 10 games in the IIHF, leading Team USA that had the likes of Matty Beniers, Clayton Keller, and Logan Cooley at the forward position. He showcased his skills and speed at an incredible level, making this season something to watch out for.

Something that really stood out was his competitiveness in front of the net against world-class opposition. Another thing to look for as the next season approaches.

Frank Nazar looks ready to take another step with the Blackhawks.

Even if Connor Bedard wasn't on the team, the Blackhawks would have their guy in Nazar. His speed and competitiveness just radiate from him every shift, fighting for pucks and playing much bigger than he actually is. I would like to not see him get into any fights next season, though... His ability to crash the net with his speed is also something of note given how effective this strategy has been in the postseason lately.

Another thing is his talent to drag defenders towards him, which gives his linemates more space to operate. Bedard will benefit the most from this next season if they are on a line together, the last two seasons were full of defenders swarming Bedard, containing him very well. With Nazar and, hopefully, Michael Misa or James Hagens, that line should be buzzing with speed, while adding insane skill and underrated grit. Nazar and Bedard are willing to forecheck hard, but this isn't exactly their role.

Nazar has displayed steps forward in the last eight games of the season, and only added to his progress with his IIHF Worlds showing. I genuinely believe, as many fans and analysts do, that Nazar will take that step forward for the Blackhawks and be a force on both sides of the puck in 2025-26.