Blackhawks start practicing ahead of upcoming prospect showcase

The Chicago Blackhawks play hockey this weekend. The Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase will bring the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild and Blackhawks together in St. Louis to see some of the future stars of each team in action.

The prospect showcase was an exciting moment last season. It was Connor Bedard’s first time in an NHL uniform for the Hawks, and he definitely did not disappoint. While this year’s showcase will still be exciting, the Hawks got some bad news on Wednesday.

Chicago’s top prospect Artyom Levshunov will miss the showcase after sustaining a right foot injury in a recent skate. Levshunov took a puck to the foot, but Rockford IceHogs head coach Anders Sorensen didn’t indicate he will be out long term during a media availability after practice at Fifth Third Arena.

“I’m not sure of the exact timeline,” said Sorensen, “but it doesn’t seem to be too bad.”

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said Levshunov is expected to be in a walking boot and out for a few weeks.

Chicago still has a roster filled with top prospects heading to St. Louis. The group is being coached by Sorensen, so there is a chance this could be a great opportunity to see some of his future roster in action.

The Blackhawks announced their roster for the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase in St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/yPk6tjNswm

— Jim Lynch (@JimRLynch) September 5, 2024

Lots of eyes are on Frank Nazar going into training camp. Nazar, who was drafted 13th overall in 2022, had a stellar season at the University of Michigan last year.

In 41 games, Nazar registered 41 points and 17 goals. After finishing the season at Michigan he joined the Blackhawks late last year. He scored his first goal and played in his first three NHL games.

Frank Nazar is set to highlight the Blackhawks roster in St. Louis

With his NHL debut under his belt, Nazar said conditioning was a major point of emphasis this offseason, while addressing the media after practice.

“Going from the USHL to college it is definitely something different that guys in the U.S. aren’t used to is playing 82 games a year,” Nazar said. “That is something I worked on a lot… doing it day in and day out, being able to go be at my best every single day.”

Nazar’s path to the NHL got a little less simple this offseason. General Manager Kyle Davidson added a plethora of NHL talent like Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, Craig Smith, Ilya Mikheyev and Pat Maroon. Still, a spot on the second line center seems open, and Nazar sounded ready to earn a spot.

“If I am going to be a part of that group obviously I have to work and I have to earn that spot anyways,” said Nazar. “I think I did well, I don’t think I just held my own when I played those three games. Obviously, I have something to work for, but I am excited to see what goes on after camp.”

IceHogs head coach Anders Sorensen on Nazar

The prospect showcase, training camp and the preseason will be a big opportunity for Nazar. After the first day of practice, Sorensen saw what Nazar can bring to the Blackhawks organization.

“I think everybody sees the talent and the high end stuff,” said Sorensen. “Today, for example, in practice, especially toward the end, I thought he looked really good with some of his habits… That will be really important for him to show in camp to Luke [Richardson] and his staff to make this team.”

Sorensen would gladly take Nazar on his roster in Rockford. Nazar can shine in a top line position on a team with plenty of talent and depth. Still, now it’s up to Nazar to show he belongs in the NHL.

This offseason, Nazar skated in Chicago. He even had the opportunity to skate alongside Patrick Kane this August.

“It was unbelievable, he is an unbelievable player,” Nazar said. “Being able to learn from him and see him go out on the ice and do all his tricks. He actually hit me with one of his signature spin-o-ramas one time.”

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