The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Frank Nazar to a massive 7 year, $46.13M contract extension the club announced Thursday.
The deal, which will carry an average annual value of $6.59M represents a massive gesture of faith in the continued development of the 21 year old centre. Nazar, who has played in just 56 career games at the NHL level, would have reached restricted free agency at the end of the upcoming season.
“Frank elevated his game last season and has proven himself to be one of the top young talents in the league,” Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson said. “He drives play using his elite speed and playmaking abilities, creating problems for opponents and opportunities for teammates every night. Frank is an integral piece of our team, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for the next eight seasons.”
Nazar’s deal will kick in during the 2026-27 season and run through the 2032-33 campaign. The smooth skating forward notched 26 points (12G, 14A) in 53 games with the Blackhawks last season leading all team rookies in goals, assists and points. Nazar also appeared in 21 contests with Chicago’s AHL affiliate the Rockford IceHogs, posting 24 points (11G, 13A) and earning AHL All-Star honours.
With that piece of business now complete, Chicago’s front office will now turn their attention to Connor Bedard who is set to become a restricted free agent at season’s end as well.
Photo: Sandro Halank. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.