Chicago Blackhawks
WJC Wrap: Frank Nazar Flexes in Rout of Switzerland
Frank Nazar and his game are getting international attention. The Chicago Blackhawks prospect who’s a freshman at the University of Michigan had four assists in the United States’ 11-3 rout of Switzerland that saw Nazar kick in four assists.
He now has five assists in two games. Gavin Hayes has a helper in two games while Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore have yet to record a point.
Nazar is once again showing the collection of skill he possesses and as the US gets into the more intense games, starting today with against Czechia, now we’ll see what he’ll go?
The 19-year-old Wolverine has 18 points (8-10) with Michigan and along with Notre Dame’s Landon Slaggert, has been the most consistent and top performing Blackhawks prospects in the college ranks.
With every impressive game, be it the national or international stage, Nazar seemingly makes a case to get an entry-level deal and head to Chicago for a chance with the big club.
Frank Nazar Flourishing; Oliver Moore Seeing More Ice time
Speaking of Moore, he saw 10:41 of ice time in the win, a six minute jump from the previous game’s amount. In what felt like it would be a chance to see Moore flash the speed and skill on the international stage, it’s been a quiet start during the first two games.
Moore is an entire year younger and also still a freshman–the time is there to ease him in. Then again, who’s to say it isn’t Moore in the ice time he’s getting that eventually makes a big play for the United States? He did after all play well against Canada a week ago in an exhibition warm up.
Nonetheless, it was still good enough.
Team USA's fourth line just absolutely caved in Canada's line that was listed as No. 1 today. USA was able to make a change in the OZ, Oliver Moore (CHI) makes it 4-2 on a shot through traffic. Incredible sequence by USA's fourth and first lines.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) December 23, 2023
But the clamor around Moore has been loud from Blackhawks fans so the lesser play in the World Juniors has been a source of annoyance for some. Maybe this is just a warmup for what will be an interesting spot to watch over the next few years as prospects make their way through the pipeline. Some will hit, some will fall in the middle.
Others, as some do, will miss. While the WJCs can raise a profile, it can also inflate profiles. Taking the measured approach is the way to go–realizing that like anything in hockey, you look at the whole picture instead of just one snapshot.
Whether it’s Frank Nazar, Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel, or Gavin Hayes, take the highs, lows, and in-betweens exactly as they appear.
But more ice time is a good sign for Moore. Will today’s game bring more?