Sophomore forward Frank Nazar III inked an entry level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, marking the first player to leave the Michigan hockey team this offseason.
Nazar consequently forgoes the remaining two years of his NCAA eligibility, as he leaves the program following the Wolverines’ Frozen Four loss against Boston College to join the NHL.
The Blackhawks selected Nazar 13th overall in the first round of the 2022 NHL draft. After sitting in the majority of the 2022-23 season with a hip injury, Nazar returned to the ice and has been a mainstay in the lineup ever since.
The forward recorded 19 goals, 28 assists and 47 points in 54 games by the end of his Michigan hockey career. His sophomore season proved especially strong as he tallied 40 points in 41 games, earning him an honorable mention for All-BIG Ten honors.
Nazar’s contributions to the program certainly won’t be forgotten as he moves on to the next phase of his career. From his Duel in the D debut last season to scoring two goals in the Big Ten Championship to creating the Michigan 2.0, Nazar certainly made his mark during his tenure with the team.
That makes his presence on the team all the more difficult to replace as he held a variety of different roles. Nazar maintained a position in the top-six forward line for the majority of his time with the Wolverines as he used his elite play-making skills to generate offensive opportunities. He also played a critical role on the penalty kill as Naurato entrusted him with a defensive responsibility alongside his role on offense.
Nazar enjoyed plenty of success in his time with the Wolverines as he made two Big Ten Championship and Frozen Four appearances. He also enjoyed plenty of success outside of the walls of Yost.
Nazar won a gold medal with Team USA at the World Junior Championship in Sweden last January. He ultimately recorded eight assists en route to the championship, capping off his illustrious career with the USNTDP program on a high note.
Now, by leaving Michigan and joining the Blackhawks Nazar will have the opportunity to play for the biggest trophy of them all.