Blackhawks sign Frank Nazar to seven-year extension

Published: Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 5:45 pm

Blackhawks Make a Major Investment in Young Forward Frank Nazar

The Chicago Blackhawks have made a significant commitment to forward Frank Nazar, signing him to a seven-year contract extension. This deal represents the richest total-value contract in league history for a player with Nazar's limited NHL experience, as he has played in 53 games. The extension will begin in the 2026-27 season, following the completion of his entry-level contract.

Nazar made his NHL debut in the final games of the 2023-24 season after a successful stint with the AHL Rockford. While he initially struggled, recording only one assist in his first ten games, he improved significantly under interim head coach Anders Srenson. He finished the season with 12 goals and 14 assists in 53 games, averaging nearly 16 minutes of ice time per game. Despite concerns about his size, Nazar saw significant time as the team's second-line center.

The Blackhawks are betting on Nazar's long-term potential, hoping he will become a key player in their top-six forward group. The team's decision to extend Nazar now is also strategic, as they face upcoming contract negotiations with other key players, including Connor Bedard and Spencer Knight. The team has significant cap space available for the 2026-27 season.

BNN's Perspective: The Blackhawks' decision to invest heavily in Nazar is a bold move, given his limited NHL experience. While the potential reward is high, the risk is also considerable. The team is clearly banking on his continued development and ability to become a core piece of their future. This move signals a commitment to building a competitive team, but the success of this contract hinges on Nazar's ability to reach his full potential.

Keywords: Blackhawks, Frank Nazar, contract extension, NHL, hockey, Connor Bedard, Spencer Knight, Chicago, seven-year contract, player development, cap space, forward, ice time, goals, assists, AHL, Rockford, Anders Srenson, Kirill Kaprizov, unrestricted free agency, Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet, Bleacher Report, Frank Seravalli

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