Why The Blackhawks Recalling Frank Nazar Is The Right Move

The Chicago Blackhawks made a big move early on Friday, recalling Frank Nazar from the Rockford IceHogs.

Nazar, 20, was drafted 13th overall by Chicago in 2022. Late last season, Nazar played in three NHL games for the Hawks, scoring his first NHL goal in his debut with the team. Early on, Nazar looked like a young forward destined to make the Blackhawks roster out of training camp, but a poor preseason forced Kyle Davidson’s hand and Nazar started the year with Rockford.

Luckily, Nazar’s time in the AHL has been positive. In 21 games, Nazar has registered 11 goals and 24 points, leading all rookies in the AHL. The former first round pick could provide the last big spark the team needs to get things going offensively.

In a unique situation, Nazar also comes to Chicago with a leg up on most of his teammates. With Anders Sorensen joining the Blackhawks as interim head coach just last week, Nazar has more familiarity with the new bench boss in Chicago.

While it always seemed likely Nazar would be recalled at some point, the fact Sorensen is now coaching in Chicago definitely had to help speed up the decision. So, where does Nazar fit? Here is an early guess at how the Hawks could shakeup the lineup with Nazar in the fold.

Philipp Kurashev – Connor Bedard – Tyler Bertuzzi 
Taylor Hall – Frank Nazar – Teuvo Teravainen
Nick Foligno – Jason Dickinson – Ilya Mikheyev 
Ryan Donato – Lukas Reichel – Craig Smith 

The Blackhawks also announced the team has placed Alec Martinez on injured reserve retroactive to December 7. With Martinez and Seth Jones out, the Blackhawks blue line is being anchored by some young defensemen stepping up, including Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser and Nolan Allan.

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