Get to Know The Blackhawks Future: 13th Overall Pick Frank Nazar
The 2022 NHL Draft was one for the record books, touted as the number one selection ahead of the Draft, Shane Wright was passed over in favour of Slafkovsky, Nemec and Cooley slipping the Kraken at pick number four, but that's not all that happened.
The Canadiens traded the 98th overall pick in the 2022 Draft along with Alex Romanov to the Islanders in exchange for pick number 13. Kent Hughes subsequently traded the 13th overall selection, along with the 66th overall selection to the Blackhawks in exchange for center Kirby Dach.
The Blackhawks then used the 13th overall selection to pick USNTDP product Frank Nazar. And now we're caught up to the craziness that preceded Nazar's selection.
Nazar is a native of Detroit, Michigan., stands five-feet-nine-inches tall and weighs 174-pounds. He is described as a cerebral offensive player, who despite his diminutive frame pushes the play either with the puck, or driving to the net to create space for his teammate, ie. the puck carrier.
The U18 team product has split time between the USHL and USDP since his 16-year-old season. Nazar has played two seasons in the USHL, scoring 35 goals, 36 assists for 71 points through 55 games. At the USDP, Nazar has played 103 games, over two seasons scoring 58 goals, 70 assists for 128 points.
A commitment to the University of Michigan, Nazar will play his freshman season with the Wolverines men's ice hockey team. Where Blackhawks fans will certainly give their attention to.
While he may still be a couple of years away, the rebuilding Blackhawks certainly will have a roster spot available for him, when he is ready to take it. While it's a transitional time in Chicago, the crop of young talent is oozing with future stars for Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks. Hawks fans just hold tight, their are some interesting pieces in waiting.
