Chicago Blackhawks players Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic are among 44 NHL players invited to Team USA’s orientation camp that will help determine its final 25-man roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in February. The camp will be held in Plymouth, Michigan, on Aug. 26 and 27.
Chicago Blackhawks will be well represented at the camp. Nazar and Vlasic join a list that includes some of the NHL’s brightest young stars such as Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and Cole Caufield.
Frank Nazar’s Rising Stock
Nazar continues to turn heads after a breakout performance at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he led Team USA in scoring and played a vital role as a penalty killer. His versatility and two-way game have earned him attention not only within the Blackhawks organization but now on the international stage.
Heading into the upcoming NHL season, Nazar is projected to anchor the second-line center role in Chicago. What makes him so valuable is his ability to impact both special teams — he can drive offense on the power play and shut down opponents on the penalty kill. Head coach Jeff Blashill will have decisions to make about who plays on Nazar’s wings, with names like Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky as possible fits.
At just 21 years old, Nazar has the chance to become a cornerstone piece of the Blackhawks’ rebuild. This camp provides him a stage to show USA Hockey management he’s not just a rising star in Chicago but a legitimate option for international competition.
Alex Vlasic’s Underrated Impact on the Blackhawks
While Nazar grabs headlines for his offensive flair, Alex Vlasic has quietly developed into one of the Blackhawks’ most dependable defensemen. Last season, Vlasic logged an impressive 23:16 average time on ice, consistently matched against top opponents. For a 24-year-old, those are heavy minutes — and he has handled them with poise.
Vlasic’s offensive contributions have also been climbing. After posting 16 points two seasons ago, he nearly doubled his production to 30 points last year. Entering his third full NHL season, he’s expected to play an even larger role both on the ice and in the locker room. With Chicago’s blue line among the youngest in the NHL, Vlasic’s steady presence and leadership will be critical.
Being invited to this USA camp validates his progress. He may not carry the same flash as some of the forwards in attendance, but as a defenseman his size, reach, and defensive reliability make him stand out in a different way. For the Blackhawks, it’s another sign that their rebuild is producing players who can compete at the highest level.
Big Picture for the Blackhawks
Making the final USA roster will be a challenge for both players, but the value lies in the experience. Training alongside elite NHL talent gives Nazar and Vlasic a benchmark for where they stand — and motivation to keep improving.
For Chicago, it’s another positive step forward. Nazar is on track to become a key offensive driver, while Vlasic continues to solidify his reputation as one of the league’s more underrated young defensemen. Regardless of whether they crack the final Team USA lineup, both players will return to the Blackhawks with confidence and momentum heading into the 2025–26 season.
