Frank Nazar (Blackhawks prospect) is a talented winger who has a chance to strike gold in Sweden. He’s not a top-liner but on other teams, he could be. He has something to prove that could add up on the scoresheet at the end of the day.
In the first prelim game against Sweden, Nazar laid a big hit. That’s not something that was always in his game, but I noticed in camp he was much more mature physically. As a result, I saw his new feisty play as well as better edge work which made him very slippery and sneaky in the offensive zone.
Nazar missed most of last season because of injury but he did manage to play in 13 games. It’s always important for an athlete to set a goal and reach it.
“Definitely super important. I talked about it a lot. To be able to get those few games in and kind of get the hockey sense and pace and get my mind back in the game and then train over the summer and get my body in full shape. That was really important to be able to come into this season,” Nazar stated. “I feel good. I feel like myself. It was the same training as the years prior.”
Nazar enjoys the larger ice surface. He’s able to be creative with and without the puck and that makes him a dangerous player.
“It’s nice. I like to use my skating and take advantage of plays. It’s nice to have that extra space,” he said with a smile. “There’s a lot of good players on the team so I’m looking to be able to pass to those guys in the slot. They’re going to put it in the net, so it’s a big opportunity to score.
”If he gets to play with Oliver Moore (Blackhawks), that’s a speed line that few defenders will be able to hold back.
“Being able to keep up with your linemates is a big part of the game,” Nazar remarked. “You can’t score a goal 1-on-5. Having guys like that. Being able to skate so well. Kind of catch up to plays if they’re behind. It’s really nice, and it opens up a lot of opportunities.”
At 5’9” and 175 or 180 pounds, he’s fearless.
“When I played for the NTDP, it was almost the same thing going against colleges and USHL teams. In the end, we go and compete at the U18 Worlds against guys our age. You get used to all those heavy guys. Making the transfer is a little bit easier. Makes you feel a bit stronger. It’s a real confidence boost.”
Look out for Nazar.
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