Frank Nazar had a hell of a play to put a stamp on the Michigan’s 5-2 win over Michigan State on Sunday night. The between the legs pass to teammate Gavin Brindley sealed any chance of the Spartans rallying, a second Michigan goal just nine seconds apart.
It may have had Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson shredding the entry-level contract dated April 1st on it.
But there’s no fooling anymore–Frank Nazar is the real deal and will be a strong candidate to not only get that entry-level deal–but also a real shot at the Blackhawks opening night lineup come October.
Frank Nazar Has Been Rising With Every Important Game
Nazar’s assist in wasn’t just impressive with how it happened, but when it occurred. It led to the ultimate knockout punch of the Wolverines hated rival, and stunned a team that just over a week ago, dispatched Michigan in overtime for the Big Ten Title.
The Wolverines simply won the bigger contest, with Nazar having not only the smarts to make the play but to do it in highlight reel fashion.
But there’s the bigger part of it all–with even the slightest big of space, Nazar raced to the net, drew two Spartans and then found the open teammate to finish the Spartans off.
When Nazar was selected by the Blackhawks at 13th overall back in 2022, it took the trade of a former third overall pick, Kirby Dach, to do so. Dach once upon a time was supposed to be that massive building block, a stroke of lottery luck that would help the Blackhawks rebuild on the fly and return to prominence.
Instead, Dach would be a strong piece shipped off to acquire what Davidson hoped would be a future piece for the total rebuild he officially started that night.
Fast forward to the last eight months of Nazar’s season and it sure looks like the 20-year-old not only has a chance at winning a National Championship, but also the opportunity to be that foundational piece on the Chicago roster next season.
There are still games to play–at least one more–for Michigan. But as sure as Michigan’s victory seemed after he made that pass, it sure seems that Nazar putting pen to paper once his season ends is all but guaranteed.
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