The Chicago Blackhawks have a stellar talent in Frank Nazar in the AHL right now and he’s making more and more of a case for the team to just call him up already.
Nazar leads all rookies in AHL scoring with 11 goals and 24 points in 18 games. Many might’ve seen his talent in the three game trial with the Blackhawks at the end of last season, but this is another level. While the NHL is the top league in the world and the AHL isn’t quite at the same level, the production he’s putting up at 20 years old is impressive nonetheless.
Related: Blackhawks: This Will Be the Last Time Nazar is Seen in the AHL
Nazar is also second among all AHL players in points behind Vinnie Hinostroza (26), and the Milwaukee Admirals forward is 30 years old.
Behind Nazar in rookie scoring is Denton Mateychuk (22 points in 21 games), a defenseman, and Collin Graf (22 points in 19 games). The next closest rookie in goals in the AHL is Sam Colangelo with nine.
Not only does Nazar lead all rookies in goals and points, he ranks third in assists (13), third in shots (53), first in power-play goals (4), first in shorthanded goals (2), and first in points-per-game (1.33).
The production is just too good to ignore and even if the Blackhawks’ coaching staff and management didn’t think Nazar looked good enough to beat out a veteran for a spot on the team in training camp, he definitely does now with how his season and Chicago’s season offensively have gone.
I’ve had thoughts about letting Nazar dominate even more in the AHL until closer to the trade deadline, but he’s also shown great stuff and is seemingly what the Blackhawks could use as a top-6 center right now. I’m open to whatever the Blackhawks do with him as long as Nazar is in the NHL in a full-time role where he can succeed at some point this season and never looks back.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.
Recent Blackhawks News
Related: Why Bedard Was Left Off Team Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off Roster
Related: ‘It Means A Lot, Of Course”: Teuvo Teravainen Reacts To Making Four Nations Faceoff Roster
