PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
January 18, 2026Â Â (10:13)
Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
The Chicago Blackhawks have provided an injury update on forward Frank Nazar following his injury in the team’s 6-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators on December 20.
Frank Nazar hit the ice for the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday ahead of facing the Boston Bruins.
Saturday’s morning skate was his first time back with the full group since that night. Nazar stayed in the grey non-contact sweater, wore a half-face shield, and skipped line rushes, but the sight alone mattered.
It confirmed the disastrous news that he indeed broke his jaw.
The team confirmed he could only begin eating solid foods once again in late December.
Frank Nazar nearing return for the Chicago Blackhawks after broken jaw
As a fan, I’m not pretending it fixes everything, but seeing Nazar move and handle pucks again felt like a real breath of fresh air.
Head coach Jeff Blashill said the plan is to get him practicing again on Sunday, then let the timeline reveal itself. With Winnipeg coming on Monday and then a back-to-back Thursday in Carolina and Friday against Tampa Bay, there’s room to be patient.
«He’s going to work himself back in here, and the morning skate is a good start,» Blashill said. «We anticipate him practicing with us tomorrow after that, we’ll see where the timeline goes. But he’s starting to work himself back into it, so that’s a good thing for sure.»
– Jeff Blashill
Before the injury, Nazar had 21 points in 33 games, including six goals and 15 assists. Chicago drafted him 13th overall in 2022, and his speed through the neutral zone has been a rare driver of clean entries.
It’s nearly been one month since he endured a ‘jaw injury’, really showing the severity of it due to not taking place in contact drills since.
Teravainen has nine goals and 21 points in 45 games, and the timing stings with the 2015 Cup group being honored.
«No, not more definitive,» Blashill said when asked if he has a clearer timeline yet for Teravainen’s return. «It’s still kind of wait and see. When I know more, I’ll let you know. But not more definitive.»
For now, the next milestone is simple: full practices, more contact, and then the lineup card.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider