The Chicago Blackhawks haven’t shied away from making big moves this offseason. Five years have passed since their last playoff appearance, and the franchise is ready to spend significant money in pursuit of a postseason berth.
Frank Nazar has emerged as one of the players the Blackhawks hope will become a key offensive piece this season. While his seven-year, $46.13 million contract has stunned fans, one insider isn’t confident Chicago’s gamble will pay off.
Insider Still Has Doubts About Frank Nazar’s New Deal with the Blackhawks
After ending last season at the bottom of the Central Division and missing the playoffs for the fifth straight year, the Blackhawks knew changes were needed. GM Kyle Davidson was prepared to make significant deals to turn things around.
Consequently, on August 21, Nazar was re-signed to a seven-year, $46.13 million deal with an AAV of $6.59 million. However, with just 26 points in 53 games during his debut season, critics quickly questioned whether his performance justifies this gamble, and NHL insider Pierre McGuire agrees.
On the latest episode of “The Sheet with Jeff Marek,” McGuire joined co-host Jeff Marek to discuss Nazar’s contract extension. Marek mentioned that Nazar is an excellent option for 2C if Connor Bedard remains 1C. He believes that Nazar can even become a 1C.
Marek mentioned that he wanted to know McGuire’s take. To that, McGuire mentioned, “I believe it’s front-loaded at almost $10 million for the first two years. Correct me if I’m wrong.”
McGuire continued, “So, that’s going to be an interesting thing when they have to dance with some of their other players in terms of getting guys out of entry level.” He believes that this might create issues later. However, he hopes that the deal will work out.
McGuire believes that while Nazar is a good player, he is not at the level of Patrick Kane. He continued, “It’s interesting what they’re doing. My only thing is I’m going to go way back on you here, and I think you’ll understand what I’m talking about.”
McGuire recalled being present when former No. 1 pick Rick DiPietro signed a 15-year, $67.5 million deal with the Islanders in 2006. He mentioned that DiPietro was a great player at Boston University and that it was a great deal for the player.
However, McGuire also believed it was bad for the team and the league. He remembered being called into the office and read the riot act for giving his take on the deal. But 19 years later, DiPietro still stands as a failed gamble for the Islanders.
“Sure enough, that was a bad deal,” he said. McGuire added, “We’re going to see whether the Nazar deal is a good deal or a bad deal. But I have questions about it, for sure.” With the season still four weeks out, Nazar already faces some serious questions he’ll need to answer once the puck drops.