Why Frank Nazar is the perfect complement to Connor Bedard

Frank Nazar’s laugh echoes through the Chicago Blackhawks’ locker room before he even appears. His quick chirps and beaming smile light up the space, drawing heads from teammates. Yet, when pressed on the team’s unexpectedly strong first half, Nazar’s expression turns steely. “I don’t go into any season not thinking it’s going to be a strong season,” he told ESPN in December. At 22, with six goals and 21 points in 33 games while logging over 18 minutes nightly, Nazar was stepping up amid Connor Bedard’s injury absence.

The duo’s emergence has fueled Chicago’s push toward playoff contention, defying preseason expectations. Bedard, the 2023 first-overall pick, suffered a shoulder injury on Dec. 12 against St. Louis. Nazar, Chicago’s 2022 13th-overall selection, filled the void with unwavering confidence. Their chemistry highlights why they form the NHL’s next great young center tandem.

Blackhawks’ unexpected rise

Chicago entered the season as a .500 squad, explosive and fun, surpassing pundit predictions. Nazar embodied the mindset shift. “We don’t go into anything expecting to lose,” he said. The Blackhawks knocked on playoff doors, blending youth with veteran guidance.

Bedard’s injury tested depth, but Nazar shouldered more responsibility. Playing top-line minutes, he improved steadily. Teammate Jason Dickinson praised their leadership: “They’ve taken it on their shoulders to say, ‘I’m going to win games for us’ night after night.” This growth propelled Chicago’s surprising start.

Veterans like Nick Foligno and Dickinson mentored the centers. Foligno’s energy rubbed off on Nazar, who brings infectious positivity. “Energy is a choice,” Foligno said. “Frank chooses to bring a ton of energy into each day—it’s natural for him.”

The Blackhawks’ process emphasized defense and high spirits. Goaltender Spencer Knight captured the culture: “We just stick together… We’re a pretty young team, yeah. But we work hard. We come with a great attitude.” This resilience defined their first half.

As Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar lead Chicago Blackhawks into a new era in 2025-26, their impact extends beyond stats.

Handling injuries and adversity

Bedard’s Dec. 12 shoulder injury sidelined Chicago’s star, forcing Nazar into the spotlight. Four games later, on Dec. 20 against Ottawa, disaster struck. A Jordan Spence one-timer shattered Nazar’s jaw, ending his night early. Coach Jeff Blashill announced a four-week recovery for the upper-body injury.

Chicago plummeted without its top pivots, going 5-6-1 before Bedard’s Jan. 10 return. They lost seven of eight at one stretch, scoring just four goals in three straight defeats post-Bedard. Bedard noted the volatility: “If you lose a couple games, everyone thinks you suck, then you win a couple and you’re back in the playoff race.”

Team Canada snubbed Bedard for the Milan Cortina Olympics, a decision Blashill decried. “Your impact on winning… Connor has become a true two-way, winning player,” he said. Chicago was one point from a wild-card spot with Bedard, then 1-6-1 without him.

Nazar missed 14 games, dropping eight pounds on a liquid diet but regaining it steadily. Recent practices showed promise, with both centers skating in non-contact sweaters by early January, per Chicago Hockey Now.

Nazar’s Michigan roots

Nazar honed his game at the University of Michigan after Chicago’s 2022 draft pick. His freshman year was injury-limited, but 2023-24 exploded with 17 goals and 41 points in 41 games. Teammate Jackson Hallum recalled: “There was a real presence… He brings a lot of pace. He’s a really fast skater, really strong.”

Strength coach dubbed Nazar the team’s “most underrated strong guy.” Adam Fantilli added: “He worked so hard and was so talented.” Nazar and Hallum bonded as roommates, beating Call of Duty: Black Ops II together on day three.

On ice, Nazar dazzled with between-the-legs passes. He set up Hallum for a breakaway (missed), then assisted Gavin Brindley for a Frozen Four-clinching goal. Hallum laughed: “Frank gets off the ice and goes, ‘If you had scored… it would have been popular too.’”

These stories underscore Nazar’s skill and team-first mentality. His college success prepared him for NHL demands.

NHL transition and growth

Nazar debuted last season, splitting time between AHL and NHL, finishing with 12 goals and 26 points in 53 games. Training camp showcased his humor and ethic. Blashill noted: “His game has to rise. He can’t stay the same.”

Nazar embraced ups and downs. “When I move my feet and stay engaged… that’s when I’m playing my best,” he said. Veterans like Foligno advised on pro life: “Taking care of your body… It’s not like college.”

Chicago’s condensed schedule adds pressure before the Olympic break. Bedard thrives in chaos, stacking wins. Nazar’s return against Carolina on Thursday reunites the duo.

As explored in Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar’s leadership in the 2025-26 Blackhawks season, their evolution drives roster construction.

Their styles mesh perfectly—Bedard’s elite playmaking with Nazar’s pace and strength. Dickinson highlighted their winning impact.

Complementary forces on ice

Bedard excels two-way, elevating linemates. Nazar adds speed, physicality, and joy. Together, they form a dynamic one-two punch, rare for young centers.

Blashill praised Bedard’s intangibles; Nazar mirrors with leadership beyond years. Foligno: “It’s never a bad time when Frank is around… speaks volume about him.”

Chicago’s forward depth suffers without Nazar, but spirit endures. Knight: “Just keep battling together.”

For more on Bedard’s injury, see ESPN’s coverage.

With Nazar back, Chicago eyes playoffs. Their resilience proves the future is now, blending talent, character, and belief. Expect this duo to surprise again, pushing boundaries in a fluid standings race. The Blackhawks’ bones are solid—watch them build on it.