On Thursday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Frank Nazar to a seven-year, $46.13 million contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $6.59 million.
The move marks a major investment in the Blackhawks’ future, as Nazar is a 21-year-old center. He becomes the first player drafted by general manager Kyle Davidson to receive a second NHL contract. The news comes as Nazar was entering the final season of the three-year entry-level contract he in April 2024.
Nazar was selected by the Blackhawks with the No. 13 pick in the 2022 NHL draft following his sophomore season at Michigan. He has 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 56 career games.
Lukas Reichel Jokes About Frank Nazar’s New Contract
The $6.59 million average annual value is the largest amount Davidson has awarded to date and is reportedly the biggest contract ever signed by a forward with Nazar’s level of experience.
According to NHL.com, Davidson praised Nazar as one of the top young players in the league.
“Frank elevated his game last season and has proven himself to be one of the top young talents in the League,” Davidson said. “He drives play using his elite speed and playmaking abilities, creating problems for opponents and opportunities for teammates every night. Frank is an integral piece of our team, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for the next eight seasons.”
Left winger Lukas Reichel, a close friend of Nazar’s, joked about his teammate’s payday. Speaking on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Reichel said he is looking forward to celebrating over meals, with Nazar covering the bill.
“Yeah, he’s gonna pay a lot,” Reichel said. “I might ask him every time in our away games to go to dinner.”
Lukas Reichel snippet from our @SiriusXMNHL interview in Milan in reaction to Frank Nazar’s new contract. He jokes with us that Nazar’s picking up the tab for a while: “Yeah, he’s gonna pay a lot. I might ask him every time in our away games to go to dinner.” pic.twitter.com/NMmanl1h4W
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 22, 2025
Nazar, meanwhile, said he does not feel added pressure despite the financial commitment.
“Honestly, I don’t see any pressure behind it,” Nazar said on Friday about his contract, per NHL.com. “I’m going to go in, into each season and each day thinking I’m the best and believing in my process and what I can do. I don’t think anything changes for me, it’s the same me, it’s the same exact everything, it’s just a little bonus and reparations for my play and what I can do. I’m still motivated and still want to be the best player I can be. Now I just want to win more than I did last year.”
Chicago will open the 2025-26 season against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 7.
