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

[montreal]

surprised there isn't more talk about him

 

[MichaelFarrell]

surprised there isn't more talk about him

I agree. He has a great offensive skill set. I like his shot a lot and he is fast. I think he has Top 6 upside

 

[QJL]

Nazar has been fantastic this season. Definitely the most creative American in the draft. He also thinks the game like a center and I think he stays there. Would bet he’s a top 10 pick.

 

[Tetsuo]

Wings fan checking in with the hope that he's available at 12. Holy crap I hadn't gotten around to looking into him yet but he's got tons of skill and the skating + vision to stick at C. Gonna be another good one, I think.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think he’s looked good, but he’s not a center for me. He’s small, compete level isn’t bad but not good enough for a small forward, he’s not that strong for his size, plays on the perimeter, and his skating is good enough for not great for his size. I’d give him about the chance that Keller had to stick at the position. I think he’s more likely a winger.

 

[montreal]

 

[NotProkofievian]

I think he’s looked good, but he’s not a center for me. He’s small, compete level isn’t bad but not good enough for a small forward, he’s not that strong for his size, plays on the perimeter, and his skating is good enough for not great for his size. I’d give him about the chance that Keller had to stick at the position. I think he’s more likely a winger.

He's probably not a center, no. But you listed him as one of the best skaters in the draft, didn't you?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He's probably not a center, no. But you listed him as one of the best skaters in the draft, didn't you?

No, I did not.

 

[NotProkofievian]

No, I did not.

Correct, it was someone else.

 

[Herb Brooksie]

When Cooley is back they should try this top 6. They love running the top two lines so why not stack them. The third and fourth lines are already solid with Spicer/Kaplan/Lucius then Berard/Hejduk. Also, I would really love to see Gabe Perreault play a few games with Spicer/Kaplan. They should open tons of space for him.

Rutger - Cooley - Snuggerud
Howard - Cutter - Nazar

 

[montreal]

Howard scored but what a pass from Nazar

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Went back and watched a bunch of games from earlier this season. He's been a big impact guy this season. I've liked his play more than Cooley. Probably the best performing player this season from what I've seen.

I still have some concerns. The compete level isn't bad, but undersized guy without elite skating. Is he a center? Does he have the standout offensive attributes to be a 1PPG guy in the NHL?

I could see how he answers these questions, and ends up a 1C. But if he's only a middle six winger, I also see how that happens. Tough player to evaluate, although I do think he's been really good this season.

 

[GoBoltz56]

I'm seeing him listed as a C/W on multiple sites and lists. Does anyone know if he plays Center with any regularity?

 

[LDN]

Hope to see him on the Knights next season

 

[QJL]

I'm seeing him listed as a C/W on multiple sites and lists. Does anyone know if he plays Center with any regularity?

He has played center all season. He also thrives creating from the middle. The concerns with him sticking there stem from size and his defensive game.

 

[Osakahaus]

I think he ends up being a 14-29 ranged pick. he'll certainly be a 1st rounder

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

He has played center all season. He also thrives creating from the middle. The concerns with him sticking there stem from size and his defensive game.

Those are pretty big concerns though in projecting an NHL-level center.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I'm seeing him listed as a C/W on multiple sites and lists. Does anyone know if he plays Center with any regularity?

He does.

 

[FireBird71]

Hope to see him on the Knights next season

 

[Get North]

I think he ends up being a 14-29 ranged pick. he'll certainly be a 1st rounder

Plays like Roslovic. Seems like the U18 team is loaded like it was a 5-6 years ago with Matthews and Tkachuk.

 

[Osakahaus]

Plays like Roslovic. Seems like the U18 team is loaded like it was a 5-6 years ago with Matthews and Tkachuk.

good to see. happy that the US is starting to get serious about these development leagues

 

[QJL]

Those are pretty big concerns though in projecting an NHL-level center.

I agree, but he’s a surefire scoring winger with a few places to improve in order to play center. Incredibly skilled. I have him in the top 10.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Plays like Roslovic. Seems like the U18 team is loaded like it was a 5-6 years ago with Matthews and Tkachuk.

Doesn't skate as well as Roslovic, and 2-3 inches shorter.

Clayton Keller is the best comparison I've seen so far.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Frank had a brilliant game last night, one of the best that I've seen from a 2022 eligible so far. Howard's goal should not have counted, but that's no comment on Nazar's assist as that play is a goal 99.99% of the time. His combination of skating, puck handling and willingness to challenge defenders is unique in this draft class. If he develops well, he will be a star in this league. Reminds me of Troy Terry.

 

[JiggsNY]