Why Frank Nazar is the perfect complement to Connor Bedard - ESPN

YOU HEAR Frank Nazar before you see him.

There's a rich laugh. Some quick chirps. His Chicago Blackhawks teammates turning heads in his direction as Nazar comes into view. Smile beaming. Happy to be there.

It's striking then, given Nazar's affable persona, when he isn't grinning. That's Nazar's reaction — steely, firm — in the face of inquiry about the Blackhawks' surprisingly strong first half of the season and whether he shared some of the outward shock that Chicago was knocking on the door of a playoff berth.

«I don't go into any season not thinking it's going to be a strong season,» a determined Nazar told ESPN in December. «So, it is what I expected from the group. We don't go into anything expecting to lose or expecting not to play well. We wanted to have a strong year regardless of what anyone thought. And I think all the guys would say the same.»

It was a mini-mic drop moment for the 22-year-old who was, at the time, taking more responsibility than ever onto his shoulders. Chicago was a .500 team, fun and explosive; collecting more wins than pundits would have predicted in September. Nazar had six goals and 21 points in 33 games, playing over 18 minutes per night. He was steadily improving.

The challenge at that time for Chicago to stay on track had become greater in recent days, since top-line center and 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard suffered a shoulder injury in the Blackhawks' 3-2 loss to St. Louis on Dec. 12.

Bedard's absence led to a next-man-up mentality taking hold throughout Chicago's dressing room — specifically for their other top center, Nazar. There was no way to tell how it would play out for Nazar or the Blackhawks, but Nazar was unwavering in their ability to hold down the fort until