Overview

• The seven-year contract carries a $6.59 million annual cap hit, starts in 2026–27, and includes a modified no-trade clause in the final two seasons.
• Frank Nazar said the agreement will not alter his mindset or preparation, stressing confidence in his process and goals.
• He ended last season as Chicago’s second-line center and, with no top-six forward added this offseason, is projected to keep that role in 2025–26.
• The extension continues a front-office pattern under GM Kyle Davidson of re-signing internal players to multi-year deals, following Alex Vlasic and Ryan Donato, even as pursuits of external free agents have lagged, including a miss on T.J. Brodie.
• Sun-Times analysis frames the commitment as a calculated risk after 56 NHL games but notes the cap hit should ease as the ceiling rises and could prove a bargain if his production grows.