Frank Nazar turns pro, signing 3
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a three-year contract with Frank Nazar, one of the team’s top prospects.
The Blackhawks announced the deal on Saturday, two days after Nazar and Michigan lost 4-0 to Boston College in the Frozen Four. The entry-level agreement runs through the 2025-26 season at a $950,000 salary-cap hit.
Chicago (23-51-5) plays its home finale Sunday against Carolina, and then finishes the season with games at Vegas on Tuesday and Los Angeles on Thursday.
The Blackhawks are hoping the 20-year-old Nazar can become a key player in the team’s ongoing rebuilding project. The 5-foot-10 forward was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Nazar skated in 41 games for Michigan this season, finishing with 17 goals and 24 assists. He had three game-winning goals.
Nazar, a Detroit native, had 19 goals and 29 assists while appearing in 54 games for the Wolverines in two seasons. He also helped the U.S. win the 2024 world junior championship, recording eight assists in seven games.