Frank Nazar
Frank Nazar III is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League. He was drafted 13th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL entry draft. He played college ice hockey at the University of Michigan.
Early life
Nazar was born January 14, 2004, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, to Gina and Frank Nazar. His grandfather owned a parking garage near Joe Louis Arena and his father became familiar with ice hockey from the Detroit Red Wings fans who parked there, introducing Nazar to the game through a skating party he attended at age 5.Playing career
Nazar spent two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. During the 2021–22 season, he recorded 28 goals and 42 assists in 56 games and ranked third on the team with 70 points. Nazar competed at the 2022 BioSteel All-American Game.Nazar committed to play college ice hockey for the Michigan Wolverines during the 2022–23 season. In October 2022 it was announced that a lower body injury Nazar sustained in the offseason required surgery, and he would miss the majority of the season. He made his debut for the Wolverines on February 10, 2023, in a game against Michigan State. He finished his freshman season with two goals and five assists in 13 games. During the 2023–24 season, in his sophomore year, he recorded 17 goals and 24 assists in 41 games. His 17 goals ranked fourth among all Michigan players, while his 24 assists ranked fifth on the team.
Nazar was drafted 13th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL entry draft. On April 13, 2024, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blackhawks. He made his NHL debut on April 14, 2024, in Chicago's final home game of the regular season. He scored his first career NHL goal on his first shot on goal against Pyotr Kochetkov of the Carolina Hurricanes.
On August 23, 2025, Nazar signed a seven-year, $46.13 million contract with the Blackhawks, which will begin in 2026–27.
International play
Nazar represented the United States at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics, where he recorded three goals and two assists in four games and won a silver medal.Nazar represented the United States at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded three goals and six assists in six games and won a silver medal.
On December 16, 2023, Nazar was named to the United States' roster to compete at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the tournament he recorded eight assists in seven games and won a gold medal.
Nazar made his senior national team debut for the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he led the team in scoring with six goals and six assists in ten games and helped Team USA win their first gold medal since 1933.