Blackhawks: Rest-of-Season Projections for Frank Nazar

Frank Nazar should be officially done with the AHL. He proved he is one of the very best in that league for the first bit of this season after starting 2024-25 in the minors.

Now that Nazar has graduated, let's take a look at how he projects the rest of the way with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nazar has lined up as the second or third line center, and that's where he should be the rest of the season. Preferably the rookie will stick as the second line center, even though the matchups are more difficult. If he is to be in that position moving forward, a test for him for the last 42 games of the season isn't the worst thing.

Connor Bedard has the top line center position locked down and Nazar is the most ready and talented player to complete the 1-2 punch down the middle for the next number of years.

Related: Blackhawks Must Trade Veteran Sooner Than Later for Sake of Reichel

Some may be concerned that his offensive success hasn't transferred over to the NHL just yet as he has just two assists in 11 games, but with the talent he possesses, it will come. The worst case scenario is that he turns into one of the unfortunate players who dominate in the AHL or overseas, but when it comes to the NHL, they just can't find their way. I don't think Chicago has anything to worry about there anytime soon as Nazar just turned 20 years old.

Nazar has a lot of time to even reach his prime and the overall offense of the Blackhawks hasn't helped his game very much seeing as the team has just 102 goals (30th in the NHL).

Nazar is currently playing with Colton Dach and Teuvo Teravainen. The former was just called up, so he and Nazar will have to try to find success alongside each other. The latter has been very streaky this season. He will do great for a week and a half and then struggle to produce at all for a while.

At this point, Jason Dickinson is in the perfect spot as the third line center, so dropping Nazar isn't a great option. At least for home games, the Blackhawks can line match so Nazar and company get the easier matchups all night so the rest of the season isn't too grueling on him and the line.

The longer Nazar is in the NHL and the more reps he gets, the more accustomed to the game and the speed he will become and things will get easier for him. Not every prospect can come in and dominate at the level Bedard did, but Nazar also only spent less than half a season in the AHL getting adjusted to professional hockey.

As potential trades come, one that may give Nazar the best opportunity for the remainder of the season would be if Ryan Donato was moved. Donato holds a spot on the top power-play unit, and for good reason. Nazar plays center on the second unit. If Donato was traded instead of re-signed, then Nazar should be one of the top two, if not the first to be moved up.

As possession in the offensive zone is so important on the man advantage, the Blackhawks don't want Bedard, who is not good at winning draws, taking the faceoffs. Nazar would be the best option from the second unit to then take faceoffs, not Taylor Hall.

Nazar has averaged 13:33 of ice time per game since being recalled this season. That should increase over the rest of the season, especially as he gets more comfortable and has more success. He is going to start scoring, but not at a point-per-game.

After 11 goals and 24 points in 21 games for the Rockford IceHogs, he can't be very happy with the lack of production in the NHL so far. As a former first round pick that has progressed this quickly, the Blackhawks shouldn't be worried at all. 11 games is a very small sample size and with growth, more opportunity to succeed will come with it.

I still like Nazar for the long-term second line center of the Blackhawks. In the final 42 games of the season, he could get hot or just as easily get by. But presuming he stays with Chicago for the final 42 games, five goals and 15 points doesn't seem unreasonable. It will provide the young center some confidence heading into next season where he is expected to have a larger role.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.

Recent Blackhawks News

Related: Bedard Making More History With Point Streak

Related: 2 Blackhawks Prospects Medal At World Junior Championships