The Chicago Blackhawks nabbed Frank Nazar with the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Frank Nazar
Position: Center
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 180 lbs
Age: 18
Club: U.S. National Team Development Program
Nationality: American
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 15 | 20 | 35 |
(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)
Nazar was one of the best players in the NTDP this past season. He finished third among U.S. under-18 skaters with 70 points in 56 games and also posted nearly 1.5 points per contest in the USHL. The latter rate placed him fourth among those who played more than one game.
The Detroit-born pivot slipped from No. 17 to No. 21 between NHL Central Scouting's midterm and final rankings, but many draft experts still projected him to be selected in the top 20. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler even placed him 11th on his final list.
Even so, Nazar believed he was largely underrated heading into the draft, saying, "I know I'm better than a few of the guys (ranked) above me." The speedy forward sustained an injury at the Under-18 World Championship but still produced three goals and six assists over six games to help the U.S. reach the gold-medal game.
Nazar has committed to the University of Michigan for next season.
The Blackhawks made a pair of trades on Thursday to move into the first round. Chicago took defenseman Kevin Korchinski seventh overall.
What they're saying
"(Nazar) lacks ideal NHL size, but he makes up for it with his effort," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote in late May. "He is hard on pucks and shows no fear in how he attacks the interior third of the offensive zone." Pronman projected Nazar as a third-liner with a chance to center a second line.
"Adept at playing a small-area game, this player is highly competitive and shows great character," Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino wrote in June. "He’s quick off the mark, although offense doesn’t come naturally." Cosentino also noted while Nazar isn't the most gifted scorer, he should eventually be able to fulfill "a variety of roles" for the team that selects him.
"Few dash around the ice and make plays in this draft like Nazar does," Wheeler wrote. "Nazar turned me into a big fan last season, and he has continued to add layers to his game. He's a threatening player from the hash marks because of his wrister, which he pops off of his stick with power and precision thanks in large part to the balance he displays through his weight shift."
Tap here to watch some of Frank Nazar's highlights.
