On Thursday afternoon, — not just in Chicago, but across the NHL — as Nazar becomes the first true building block drafted under general manager Kyle Davidson to lock in a long-term deal.
“Frank elevated his game last season and has proven himself to be one of the top young talents in the league,” Davidson said in the team’s release. “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.”
Why This Deal Matters Outside Chicago
This isn’t just another contract. Nazar’s extension is the largest contract Davidson has handed out, and according to Elliotte Friedman, it’s the biggest deal ever given to a forward with fewer than 60 games of NHL experience. That fact alone shows how much confidence the Blackhawks have in Nazar’s ceiling.
For Chicago fans, this is also symbolic. Nazar was the prize in the 2022 draft pick acquired when the Blackhawks traded Kirby Dach to Montreal. At the time, the move was risky — Dach still had untapped potential, and rebuilding through the draft meant patience. Now, Nazar is proving that gamble was worth it.
Nazar by the Numbers
The 21-year-old forward had a breakout rookie season in 2024-25, putting up 12 goals and 14 assists in 53 games with the Blackhawks. He led all Chicago rookies in goals, assists, and points, while ranking seventh overall on the team in goals. He also showed a flair for the dramatic — becoming the only NHL rookie to score on a penalty shot last season, while also adding a shorthanded tally.
Nazar’s time in the AHL also turned heads. In 21 games with Rockford, he piled up 24 points (11G, 13A) and was named an AHL All-Star. That dual success at the NHL and AHL levels highlights both his skill and adaptability.
Internationally, he’s quickly becoming a star. Nazar helped Team USA capture gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, posting 12 points (6G, 6A) in 10 games — USA’s first gold in 92 years. He also played a pivotal role in the 2024 World Juniors, finishing third in assists as the Americans took home gold.
The Bigger Picture for Chicago
With this deal, Nazar is set to be one of the cornerstones alongside Connor Bedard. Chicago now has two dynamic young forwards locked in long-term, giving fans real hope that the rebuild is starting to take shape.
The $6.59M AAV might feel like a gamble given Nazar’s limited NHL experience (56 career games), but the Blackhawks are betting on future production — not past numbers. It’s the kind of forward-thinking deal we’ve seen around the league with players like Jack Hughes in New Jersey or Cole Caufield in Montreal: pay big now to hopefully save money later when the player becomes a star.
Final Thoughts
For fans, this is the type of news that signals the Blackhawks are serious about climbing back into contention. Nazar’s extension isn’t just a contract — it’s a commitment to building around their young talent and trusting in the development path Davidson has laid out.
Chicago is still a work in progress, but if Bedard is the face of the franchise, Nazar may very well become its heartbeat. At just 21 years old, he’s fast, fearless, and now officially part of the Blackhawks’ future through 2032.
This seems like a reasonable, calculated signing. It could pay off huge in a few years. Even if it does not, it is unlikely that he would be so bad that the Hawks would not be able to get out from under the contract.
Thanks so much for your comment — and if I’m not mistaken, this might be your first one here, so welcome! ????
You’re absolutely right about the contract. With the NHL salary cap projected to keep rising for years, this deal should look even better down the road. By the last three years of the contract, the Blackhawks will be getting tremendous value.
Nazar will only be 25 then, entering the very beginning of his prime in the NHL — exactly when you want a player like him locked in.
If and this is a big if, the NHL has its financial act in order and we continue to see the salary cap go up this is a fantastic signing.
KD is bold but if he’s right about Nazar this will be a great deal. I think he’s using the NFL model of if you can sign them early you can save a lot of future money.
If it doesn’t work out, they can ship out a couple of draft picks (which they have an abundance of) along with the contract to get rid of it.
First of all, thanks for sharing your input! You’re absolutely right — this signing makes a lot of sense if the cap keeps rising. From what I’ve seen and heard around the NHL, it’s almost a sure thing (99%) that the salary cap will keep climbing over the next 3–5 years, potentially reaching $100M, $110M, or even $120M.
If Nazar develops the way Davidson believes — and I feel the same way — then years 4 to 7 of this deal could be a huge advantage for the Blackhawks. That’s when the team will get the best value, and it also sets Nazar up for a second long-term contract with even more money down the road.
You nailed it: KD is bold, but if he’s right, this could turn into a fantastic deal for Chicago.
I think the Hawks have done their due diligence regarding Frank Nazar’s skill, character, personality and work ethic. In fact, I’m sure they look at these characteristics in all their draftees, so I’m not surprised at this contract. Locking him up as a future core of the team is a shrewd strategy, avoiding future worries such as offer sheets and contract disputes—– a la Anaheim with Mason McTavish and Minnesota with Marco Rossi. Contract resolutions done amicably makes for a better player, better locker room and a better team. At least I hope so.
Welcome to the Blackhawks house here on HHS — glad to see your comment! You nailed it about Frank Nazar. His character and personality, both on and off the ice, are exactly why this deal makes sense.
What I really like is how Kyle Davidson is changing the culture in Chicago. By treating players the right way and showing respect early, he’s building a place where guys will want to play. Signing Nazar long term is the first big step, and you can bet Bedard will be next.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Davidson keeps locking up his young core one by one, making smart, fair deals that help both the player and the team. That’s how you build something special.