F Frank Nazar - Michigan Wolverines, NCAA (2022, 13th, CHI)

[Herby]

I still don't see the dominant off-the-charts skill you would expect from a 5'10 player who went that high in the draft, maybe that is just being spoiled with some of the names who have come through here in recent years. He looks more to be like Brisson or Bordeleau caliber player, but where he was drafted would make you think he should be more than that. I assume the Hawks sign him after the season, but I'm thinking this is going to be someone who will be AHL bound for awhile and not a right to the NHL guy, like maybe you'd have hoped with a Top 15 pick.

 

[Skooma]

I still don't see the dominant off-the-charts skill you would expect from a 5'10 player who went that high in the draft, maybe that is just being spoiled with some of the names who have come through here in recent years. He looks more to be like Brisson or Bordeleau caliber player, but where he was drafted would make you think he should be more than that. I assume the Hawks sign him after the season, but I'm thinking this is going to be someone who will be AHL bound for awhile and not a right to the NHL guy, like maybe you'd have hoped with a Top 15 pick.

Interesting, not saying you're wrong, as I have not watched him at all this year. However, I remember watching him in his draft year and his ability to attack the middle and his vision along with hands made him an offensive force. Which I recall made elite prospects fall in love and rate him highly.

I am curious, has he lost the ability to cut to the middle in transition as well as off the wall in the offensive zone? Has his offensive ability not grown? Or is he not able to dominate against structured defensive systems and more mature/better talent.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Interesting, not saying you're wrong, as I have not watched him at all this year. However, I remember watching him in his draft year and his ability to attack the middle and his vision along with hands made him an offensive force. Which I recall made elite prospects fall in love and rate him highly.

I am curious, has he lost the ability to cut to the middle in transition as well as off the wall in the offensive zone? Has his offensive ability not grown? Or is he not able to dominate against structured defensive systems and more mature/better talent.

18th in PPG and 11th for U20, wasn't playing up right away this year. Also had a good WJC. I think he's had a good year.

 

[TLEH]

Doesn't play PP and still has pretty solid numbers. I think he's less flashy than other guys but pretty adept 200 ft player. Plays hard and has some edge. The size change will be a challenge but the pace he won't struggle with. Only time will tell I guess.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Will he sign after Michigan is done, or back to Ann Arbor for one more year?

 

[Mrfenn92]

Will he sign after Michigan is done, or back to Ann Arbor for one more year?

Not sure. Will be interesting

 

[Teemu]

 

[William H Bonney]

I can't even pass the puck like that in my dreams. That was filthy.

 

[Siidekik]

This kid is nuts

 

[TLEH]

People who don’t watch a ton of NCAA undersell him because he doesn’t have elite production but he’s a stud. He never had favorable deployments and always played PP2 as their coach tried to spread the talent.

 

[William H Bonney]

I think he probably signs with Chicago, but it'll be interesting to see what McGroarty, Brindley, and Casey do. If most of those guys return, Michigan will be pretty loaded next year, especially with a few strong recruits on the way (Hage, Gridin, Humphreys). But if one guy goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see all 4 go. I don't think Nazar would be hurt by another college season after missing most of his freshman campaign, and if he stays while others go, he'll be the guy, which would be good for his development. He's had a very good year despite not getting prime PP opportunities.

My guess is Michigan hemorrhages some of their top players and he sees a lot of opportunity to immediately make the Blackhawks and jumps ship.

 

[TLEH]

I think he probably signs with Chicago, but it'll be interesting to see what McGroarty, Brindley, and Casey do. If most of those guys return, Michigan will be pretty loaded next year, especially with a few strong recruits on the way (Hage, Gridin, Humphreys). But if one guy goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see all 4 go. I don't think Nazar would be hurt by another college season after missing most of his freshman campaign, and if he stays while others go, he'll be the guy, which would be good for his development. He's had a very good year despite not getting prime PP opportunities.

My guess is Michigan hemorrhages some of their top players and he sees a lot of opportunity to immediately make the Blackhawks and jumps ship.

Pretty level headed analysis. I think he likely sees NHL ice and takes it next year, too. But I also sort of prefer him even in Rockford as we’d have a bit more control. He could certainly benefit being the guy junior year but I’d rather not take my chances. I thought he sort of got jerked around a bit this year. Never a consistent role. Rutger and Brindley always had each other.

 

[clevelandcane]

That pass... fun player to watch.

Go Blue!

 

[dreadpirateroberts]

Imagine him and Bedard on the same line

 

[EbonyRaptor]

Imagine him and Bedard on the same line

The Frozen Four games are on the 11th and 13th and the Hawks have 3 games remaining after the Frozen Four wraps up on the 14th, 16th and 18th - so there still a possibility Nazar decides to turn pro and get a couple games with the Hawks to burn a year off the standard 3-year ELC. If that happens then I hope Nazar will play with Bedard and Kurashev. That would be fun as long as they don't spend every shift chasing the puck on defense.

 

[Torts]

I'd love to see him come back for a junior season. I think McGroarty, Brindley and Casey are all signing pro deals but Nazar could come back and (like others have mentioned) be the # 1 offensive option next season.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

I personally think his coach has held him back and not provided him opportunities that others have been given

I would hope he leaves

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Not completely on topic. When did he add the 3rd and was anyone confusing him with his dad or grandfather?

 

[EbonyRaptor]

Not completely on topic. When did he add the 3rd and was anyone confusing him with his dad or grandfather?

I don't know the family backstory but he was known as Frank Nazar III the day the Hawks drafted him in 2022.

 

[BHawk21]

I am kind of hoping he goes back to Michigan. In the long run he may benifit from being THE guy.

 

[Kevin Musto]

Not completely on topic. When did he add the 3rd and was anyone confusing him with his dad or grandfather?

Just a reminder that he comes from a long line of GOATs

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

That pass would've really worked well if he was on Bedard's line.

 

[Mrfenn92]

 

[AmericanDream]

It is time!!!!!

 

[Teemu]