Frank Nazar is struggling to make a case to start the season with the Chicago Blackhawks

There was hope that Frank Nazar, one of the Chicago Blackhawks' top prospects, would impress during the preseason to make the opening night roster.

Instead, he seems destined to start the season with the franchise's AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

Nazar has struggled through the first two preseason games.

He was a turnover machine in the first preseason game. He cannot have those nights if he tries to prove he is among the team's six best forwards.

At least, he bounced back with a five-shot night during last night's return match against the Detroit Red Wings. He still committed a bad penalty on a night when the Hawks were shut out with a lineup that featured mostly prospects and organizational-depth pieces.

While it is the preseason, Nazar had to dazzle to earn the second-line center job. Unless he goes out and registers a hat trick during every game through the rest of preseason, he should go to Rockford to refine his game.

The front office does not want him skating on the bottom lines, so it is second-line center or Rockford. Plus, his ability to distribute the puck makes him the perfect fit for first or second-line center.

Going to the AHL is best for his development.

He has admitted if he is out there thinking too much, it hampers his game. Getting reps on the IceHogs' top lines can go a long way while not tampering with the Blackhawks' long shot hopes to make the playoffs.

At the same time, Nazar should play in every preseason game. He has admitted to playing NHL preseason hockey has helped his confidence.

Last season, we saw how shaky confidence can ruin a promising player's season as Lukas Reichel failed to become the team's second-line center and his play suffered.

The Blackhawks must avoid that same result with Nazar. Since he has not been close to the level of showing he is a top-six forward, he should go to Rockford to continue his development until he is ready to take over the job for the next decade.