Chicago Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Frank Nazar

It’s true Nazar was streaky this past season. He went through a stretch of 21 games in November and December without a goal. But in contrast, he also began the campaign with five goals and 11 points in the first 10 games. Starting on Mar. 3 through Apr. 6 (a span of 18 games), the 22-year-old made solid contributions, registering eight goals and 17 points.

Nazar also missed 14 games with a broken jaw mid-season, which certainly didn’t help matters. Furthermore, it’s important to put things in perspective and remember this was technically his first full season in the NHL. While fans might want or expect more of Nazar, he hit career highs across the board.

Taking all this into consideration, it’s safe to say Nazar is just getting started. The Michigan native certainly has the capacity to be quite the player-maker when he’s on his game. He’s also a strong all-around player, having contributed on both the power play and the penalty kill throughout the season.

For Nazar, his speed and skating abilities are key. The coaches refer to these two combined things as his “superpower”. Head coach Jeff Blashill addressed what makes Nazar special in late March,

I think when Frank plays his best, he’s skating. That, to me, is his superpower, so to speak. And so I think he’s done a better job of attacking the game, using his speed, as opposed to, maybe trying to kind of slow it down and go through people. I think he’s way better when he’s going around people. He’s just such a dangerous player. And that starts probably in our breakouts, kind of getting into pockets low where then once he gets the puck he can attack.

Regarding deployment, Nazar did an admirable job most of the season as the team’s second line center. His faceoff success rate improved from 44.6% in the 2024-25 campaign to a 47.6% this past season, increasing incrementally as the campaign has gone along. But when young Anton Frondell came to the team for the last 12 games, Coach Blashill wanted to see how the strong and defensively-minded youngster would do in this role (Side note: Frondell fared pretty well).

Nazar was therefore displaced to third line center. He also played on Bedard’s wing for the last contest of the year, and at a few other times throughout the season. He mentioned at exit interviews he’s played wing most of his life before coming to the Blackhawks.  

It remains to be seen how that will play out next season. Would Nazar be best served down the middle, or would he have more impact on the wing?

Quotable Quotes

It’s safe to say Nazar’s gone through some adversity this past season. But he’s a confident kid, and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. He certainly seems to have the right attitude. On Jan. 27 after his fifth game with no points he said,

That can be life sometimes. But you gotta get up and punch it in the balls back.

In early March, Nazar was having much better puck luck (three goals and eight points in five games). He was asked what he could attribute that to,

Yeah, I think that it’s honestly, I think that it’s been there. I had a lot of meetings with Blash and the coaches and stuff, and talked about a few things personally. And then I think really executing on these opportunities that you get. I think even games before when I haven’t scored, or pucks not going in or not getting the play to finish. It’s all been there; it’s just a matter of if that puck crossed the line. So I’ll keep my head high and stay humble and just continue to work and get better each day, is the key. 

Nazar’s Final Grade: B-

Many people (Nazar included) might have expected a better season from the 22-year-old. He struggled to put things together consistently, and dealt with some injuries along the way. But he kept his nose to the grindstone, working through his issues and focusing on the process of getting better. Hopefully the 2026-27 campaign will bring out the best in this dynamic young player.