The Blackhawks could have two of the NHL’s best deals in Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore

The Chicago Blackhawks have reached for the checkbook once again this offseason. Now extending Oliver Moore for another five years in Chi-Town. Another $4.25 million down may look like a steal in only a couple of years. And for a combined $10.75 million, Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore may be the best pair of deals in the NHL.

Over the last two years, the Blackhawks have invested significantly in their youth. Connor Bedard signed his big-ticket deal this offseason. And players like Frank Nazar have already put pen to paper. However, Oliver Moore's new deal may look even better if he leaps to the level he is expected to. That would make it another interesting and exciting deal for the Blackhawks.

Frank Nazar already looks to be ahead of his deal

As Nazar steps into the first year of his seven-year, $6.59 million AAV deal, he has already shown signs of playing to that value. Having scored 41 points in 66 games last season, he took a massive step up in his sophomore year. With increased responsibility, Nazar took to NHL life very quickly last year. His skating excelled. He scored some nice and important goals, and he became the go-to guy in many situations when called upon.

The question isn't whether $6.59 a year is worth it now. It's whether it will look cheap if he reaches his high ceiling.

Nazar has shown that he could be a 60-70 point player. Especially last season, he took playmaking more in stride. And despite being a dangerous scorer, he looks primed to be a threat in all areas of the offense and on both the power play and penalty kill.

His relationship with Connor Bedard and the youth of the Blackhawks, as well as his extreme upside to be a top-six forward, makes the contract look very good in the future. For what he has already offered, any improvement this year would surpass his dollar amount.

Chicago isn't paying Nazar to be the player he is now. They are paying the elite playmaking forward they expect him to be.

Similarly, Oliver Moore's five-year deal isn't for him to maintain his current game, but to give him time to prove why he was a first-round pick. Also, to get ahead of what they expect to be a $7-8 million AAV player in the future. Oliver Moore has caught the eye of Blackhawks fans since his arrival, and this contract draws even more attention to him as he progresses.

Moore has dazzled with his speed and passion despite being somewhat undersized. He can score well and is a constant danger in the offensive zone. He is truly a player with top-six potential.

What makes Moore different?

Moore has shown the ability to play a two-way game. Although he isn't the most physical, his skating ability makes him very effective. Given further progression and the expected improvement, Moore's speed and transitional play could be a steal at $4.25 million.

He can fit in anywhere in the middle six and could even be a massive asset on special teams. Moore has a lot of adaptability in his game. But if he can cement himself as a really solid second- or third-line center who forechecks and is a two-way monster with his speed and drive, Chicago may have one of the best deals on their hands for a position that is hard to come by.

Why these contracts are important

Just like every team in the NHL, Chicago needs their big money stars. They have Connor Bedard and Bowen Byram. Although contracts for players like Moore and Nazar are important, it is the contributions of such players that lead to championships.

In the future, having a concrete second line forward like Nazar is massive for any team. And at just under $7 million, with the rising cap, it could be a stroke of brilliance by Chicago's front office. If, in two to three years, Chicago gets a 60-70 point scorer in Nazar and a 30-40 point scorer and a two-way phenom in Moore, these contracts will be significant to their future success.

For $10.75 million, you could get a 70-80 point-scoring second-line winger, a top-pairing defenseman, or even a starting goaltender.

However, for the Blackhawks, that price tag represents much bigger dreams. They hope for two players who could easily cost $10 million each. In just a few years, they could acquire two championship-level talents for a fraction of the ever-increasing salary cap.

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