Frank Nazar to Make NHL Debut Sunday Afternoon

Luke Richardson announced that Frank Nazar will make his NHL debut on Sunday when the Hawks take on the Carolina Hurricanes. The former Michigan Wolverine signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Hawks Saturday afternoon. The deal came just two days after Michigan was eliminated in the NCAA Frozen Four against Boston College. 

Nazar was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft with the 13th overall pick. The Hawks acquired this choice in a deal where they sent Kirby Dach to Montreal. The forward spent two seasons with Michigan but played in 13 games in his Freshman season.

Nazar had hip surgery that sidelined him for most of his first season with the Wolverines. The Detriot native put up seven points (Two goals and five assists) in the shortened start to his collegiate career. 

Nazar got a full offseason in Ann Arbor to gear up for a full season with the Wolverines and he showed out in his Sophomore campaign. The shifty forward was a point-per-game player this season, posting 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 41 contests.

Nazar helped lead Michigan to a 23-15-3 record this season. Despite losing the Big Ten Championship to Michigan State, the Wolverines surged past the Spartans and North Dakota in the NCAA playoffs to make the Frozen Four. 

Nazar joining the Hawks roster for the rest of the season is another sign of big things to come for this young core. He is another piece to the puzzle to build around franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard, and more help will be on the way soon. Whether that comes through the upcoming draft or from other prospects in the system, the Hawks are loaded with young talent. 

Nazar’s three-year contract will run through the 2025-26 season. These final three games in the Hawks season will eat up the first year of his deal.