Chicago Blackhawks Sign Player With Only 56 Games Played to Record-Breaking $46M Deal

The Blackhawks have just signed Frank Nazar to a $46 million contract after the young Chicago player had suited up in only 56 career NHL games.

The Chicago Blackhawks are counting on the young guns going into the 2025-26 season, hoping their new crop of stars can take tremendous leaps.

First overall pick Connor Bedard of 2023 is already a building block material in the eyes of the franchise, but he'll need an ace sidekick. One of the prospects growing into a potential star sidekick is 2022 first-round selection Frank Nazar.

Frank Nazar towered over the AHL last year with 11 goals and 24 points on a mere 21 games in Rockford before he got his call-up.

He admitted that having played in the minors helped his confidence and understanding of the pro game, and it didn't take long to manifest once he got acclimated in Chicago.

After a quiet initial stint in the NHL, Nazar began finding his rhythm, tallying 10 points in his ensuing 10 games. Even streaky, he consistently created offense with speed and vision.

At the end of the season, he had 12 goals and 26 points in 53 games, sitting out 29 and finishing sixth among Blackhawks forwards in ice time.

His burst at the end of the season, three goals and five points in his final three games, was a portent of even greater things to come.

Chicago obviously thinks he's a part of their future core. The team has just signed Nazar to a seven-year extension at just under $6.6 million per season.