Blackhawks Sign Top Prospect After Elite NCAA Season

 

He was the Chicago Blackhawks' first-round choice in the 2022 NHL Draft at No. 13 overall, and now Frank Nazar III has officially joined the organization, agreeing to a three-year entry-level deal.

Everybody say hi Frank 👋 pic.twitter.com/cIJ8hn7mNx

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 13, 2024

The 3-year ELC carries a $950,000 cap hit. It begins immediately and runs through the 2025-26 season.

Nazar soared to the top of the Blackhawks' prospects list this season after recording 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 41 games in his sophomore season at the University of Michigan. He was one of only 15 under-20 players in the NCAA to average a point per game this season. In the NCAA Tournament, the 20-year-old centerman won  25 of 41 faceoffs for a 61% win percentage. 

He was only able to play 13 games in his freshman year at Michigan due to hip surgery.

Nazar bounced back strong, however, and also helped the USA to the Gold Medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, with 8 assists in seven games. 

He might need to begin his pro career with a bit of time with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs next season, but it shouldn't be too long before he takes the next step. 

The Blackhawks' impressive future is fast on the rise. 

Photo: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK