Blackhawks Recall Frank Nazar as Alec Martinez Remains Sidelined

The Chicago Blackhawks should get a boost on offense after recalling top prospect Frank Nazar on Friday. Nazar took the roster spot of Alec Martinez, who was placed on injured reserve (retroactive to Dec. 7) due to a neck issue.

After exploding onto the scene by scoring on his first shot in his first NHL game last April, Nazar began this season with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. The 2022 first-round pick has been a scoring machine with Rockford, posting 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 21 games to begin the season.

Nazar's highly anticipated call-up should help a Blackhawks offense that has produced just 72 goals this season, the third-lowest mark in the NHL. Furthermore, the Michigan native should help stabilize Chicago's outlook at the center position.

Martinez, who took a puck to the neck on Dec. 7, was initially day-to-day before exiting early from Wednesday's practice. He departed the Blackhawks' road trip and returned to Chicago for further evaluation before being placed on injured reserve Friday.

The Blackhawks conclude their three-game East Coast swing Saturday when they visit the New Jersey Devils. Puck drop is at noon CT and the game will air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) regionally and NHL Network nationally.