Frank Nazar To Have Hearing With NHL Player Safety

The NHL Player Safety account has announced that Frank Nazar will have a hearing for “an illegal check to the head against NY Islanders’ Bo Horvat.”

The hit came late in the third period in the Chicago Blackhawks two-goal deficit against the New York Islanders, who led 3-1. Under the two-minute mark, as Chicago’s net was empty, the Islanders captain successfully cleared the puck the length of the ice to score and extend their lead. As Horvat cleared it, Nazar from the slot approached him, leaning his left shoulder into his head, knocking him down as he held his head. A scrum ensued while Horvat got to his feet and as he was skating to his team’s bench, the veteran managed to land a punch at the Blackhawks young forward.

Nazar, who has played 127 games to date, has never been suspended in his NHL career, there is belief that this could be an over-the-phone hearing, which carries a maximum of five games for a suspension.

Further to this development, it was announced by Pete DeBoer after Islanders practice, per Stefen Rosner of the Elmonteers, that Horvat is still being evaluated by doctors so an update not provided just yet on his front. Any time of loss for Horvat would prove detrimental to the Islanders if he is injured for a certain amount of time. Though given how Horvat appeared to gather himself, this could go either way.

Since the Isles acquired Horvat’s services in late january of 2023, Horvat has led all Islanders in goals with 100, racking up 203 points, which also leads the team in that timeframe. His 31 goals in 2025-26 were a team-leading with 57 points total across 68 games. He currently has four goals this season for five points.

This article will be updated.