The Chicago Blackhawks have one of their core forwards locked in for a long time now that Frank Nazar has agreed to terms on a seven-year extension.
This deal for Nazar, which kicks in during the 2026-27 season, is worth $6.59 million per year against the cap. This deal was earned with his impressive play down the stretch last season.
Nazar's deal makes NHL history as it is the largest contract given to a forward with his level of experience. His extension comes at a time when he has only 56 career games.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet detailed it on social media, explaining how it broke the record set by Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild.
Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) on XGreetings from Milan…site of the NHL/NHLPA European media tour. Some news: hearing Chicago is closing in on an extension for Frank Nazar — a key building block of its rebuild.
Going to be somewhere above $6M AAV; a couple of sources indicating it will be the largest contract
Nazar will be 7 x $6.59+ (slightly above $46M)
It's a gamble in a lot of ways, but Nazar's skill, speed, attitude, and tenacity make him worth the risk. Young players with his level of production, especially towards the end of 2024-25, get paid handsomely nowadays.
Now that Nazar is paid and has some stability with his hockey home, he can focus on playing the game and getting better with each passing day. It may not be long before this contract is considered to be extremely "team-friendly".
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