The Case for Recalling Blackhawks 1st round pick Frank Nazar from Rockford

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Joshua Deeds
November 15, 2024 (11:36 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have a culture issue, they're 6-10-1- and have an offense, and defense issue.

The lapses were significant last night, as only Ryan Donato was the one Hawks player to generate offense. Scoring a goal with 3:22 into the 3rd period, after the Kraken posted 2 goals in the 2nd period.

Matty Beniers, Brandon Tanev, and Jaden Schwartz were the goal-scorers for the Seattle Kraken, last night.

The Kraken has no issues scoring by committee, unlike a Luke Richardson-led team, which continues to have glaring weaknesses in all three zones of the ice.

So what should Kyle Davidson do?

Throughout the past week or so, one truth about the Blackhawks has become painfully apparent - they can't score. Thursday night's loss to Seattle marked the fourth consecutive game in which Chicago has picked up just one regulation goal (including a 2-1 overtime win Sunday).

You can't rely upon Nick Foligno or Philipp Kurashev as a centerman, as they're not delivering results.

In the last 5 games, Nick Foligno only has 1 goal, and while Kurashev has 2 points( 1 G, 1 A) in 5 games his chemistry has been established as a winger, flanking Connor Bedard.

They need instead to look to Rockford, or the issues will persist, and the ability of the offense will remain anemic.

Given the Blackhawks' lack of scoring, it's time for them to call up Frank Nazar. Their most prized prospect has been tearing it up in the AHL. His 11 points in 10 games are great, but he's also doing it as the team's top-line center with all of the attention of opposing defenses. If he's not NHL-ready, he's close.

They should call up Frank Nazar, and since they've already posited the idea, why not bring him up earlier?

The team is supposed to be competitive, but it's been anything but since their off-season pickups haven't played to expectations.

Tyler Bertuzzi(2 points in 5 games, 6 points this season) is a slow starter, and Teuvo Teravainen(1 point in 5 games) has been improperly utilized by Luke Richardson as well.

If you're going to do it, the time is now as the lineup, isn't even a Wild Card lineup.

Bring up Nazar, give him the proper weapons that would bolster his playstyle, and let him show you what he's capable of.

When he makes it to the NHL (hopefully soon), Nazar will likely center the second line. It would be exciting for the Blackhawks to try to turn that into a pure scoring line. Slide Teuvo Teravainen next to him, and add either Taylor Hall or Lukas Reichel on the other side. Until Bedard's top line can finally get going, this new second line could be Chicago's best hope for finding goals. Plus, Nazar's presence would certainly be a bit more exciting!