The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025-26 season was another disappointing one. They finished second-to-last in the league and last in the Central Division by 10 points behind the Winnipeg Jets.
Connor Bedard had a successful season, tallying 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games. But an upper-body injury in December didn’t help create hope for Chicago fans
After another shoulder injury over the summer and successful surgery, Bedard will be sidelined at the start of the 2026-27 season. That means the young Blackhawks roster will be without its superstar and will have to do without the 2023 first overall pick.
This situation creates a perfect opportunity for the Blackhawks’ second-brightest young star, Frank Nazar.
But what does Chicago need to learn about Nazar while Bedard is gone? The expectation shouldn’t be for him to perfectly fill the gap and completely replace Bedard’s production. Still, it is an opportunity to see whether Nazar can generate offense independently and establish himself as someone who can drive his own line.
Nazar Has Taken the Next Step
Nazar had a successful 2024-25 rookie year in the Windy City, scoring 12 goals and 26 points in 53 games while averaging 15:52 of ice time per game.
He may not have played a full season, but the potential is there for a young offensive player. Nazar took another step forward the following season, scoring 15 goals and 41 points while averaging 18:19 minutes per game. His scoring went from 0.49 points per game to 0.62 per game while his role increased by nearly two and a half minutes.
Nazar didn’t stagnate last year and produced more as Chicago trusted him with more responsibility. Nazar’s development is also evident on faceoffs and the power play. As a young NHL center, winning draws is hard. Nazar’s faceoff percentage improved from 44.6% in his rookie year to 47.4% this past season. Nazar also increased his power-play production, going from 4 power-play points in the 2024-25 season to 12 in 2025-26.
Nazar’s clear progress in one season means he is ready to be tested in a larger offensive role and given more responsibility.
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What Happens When Bedard Returns?
If Nazar has a successful start to the season and takes this new opportunity to lead the Blackhawks without Bedard on the ice, his development could become even more valuable when Bedard returns.
Rather than relying heavily on Bedard to drive the offense, Chicago could have two young centers capable of creating offense themselves and each leading their own lines.
This would give the Blackhawks more confidence and flexibility in their lineup, while also making it harder for teams to focus their best defensive players on Bedard.
More importantly, Nazar proving that he can drive his own line would give Chicago another young offensive piece to build around as the team looks to take a leap in the standings and make the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
An Opportunity Within the Setback
Bedard’s absence will undoubtedly make the beginning of the season more difficult for Chicago. On the other hand, it gives the Blackhawks a chance to learn more about one of their most promising players.
If Nazar can take advantage of his increased responsibility and prove he can drive his own line, Chicago could welcome Bedard back knowing it has another young offensive weapon capable of helping lead the team in the future.
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