Blackhawks' Nazar Playing With Bedard is "A Little Reward"

Connor Bedard having Frank Nazar on his wing for the time being can be seen as a preview of what may be a long-term pairing up front for the Chicago Blackhawks.

There are some talented prospects in the system that haven't made their debut with the Blackhawks yet that are bound to play center down the line. This means that if Nazar is playing better on the wing and he not only finds chemistry with Bedard, but is a good linemate moving forward, there's no reason not to continue running with it and find a true second line center outside of Nazar.

In terms of playing together, head coach Anders Sorensen said, "I thought we saw moments last game. Some high IQ, some plays that were made. I thought Frank (Nazar) had one of his better games in terms of his work rate. So a little reward for him. They're like-minded players, so excited to see them together."

Nazar is only a rookie, but Bedard is in his second season. Both should be on this Blackhawks team for a long time and to gain chemistry in a season like this where the stakes are much lower and they're both young is ideal. This means they'll be good to go together with a fresh start in 2025-26 and beyond.

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As for who can play as the second line center, not only now, but for many years to come, Jason Dickinson has the spot held down for now. Lukas Reichel got a bit of a promotion due to his play and has been serving as the third line center. Though he isn't very young anymore and has some NHL experience, there is still very much some hope that he can turn into a regular top-6 player. If that is at center, great. If not, I don't think the Blackhawks will be too upset.

Coming through the system are Sacha Boisvert and Oliver Moore, plus some others who may or may not turn out to be game-changers.

Nazar went from producing at a very high rate in the AHL to getting a lot of pressure on him as the second line center every night on the Blackhawks. The wing may be better for him. It definitely is right now. Most young centers usually spend time on the wing to get acclimated first, and that may have been what stunted Nazar.

The Blackhawks are going to be a young team and the youth is going to lead them out of their rebuild. There are plenty of talented players who will be on the team in the coming years and while Nazar can play center, I would like to see the majority of his playing time come as a winger in the top-6, particularly alongside Bedard, for the remainder of the season.

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