Chicago Blackhawks activate Frank Nazar from IR: 22-year-old forward returns from broken jaw for Thursday night game vs. Carolina Hurricanes.
The Chicago Blackhawks have activated forward Frank Nazar from injured reserve, clearing the way for his return to the lineup Thursday night against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center.
Nazar, 22, has been sidelined for 14 games with an upper-body injury, specifically a broken jaw, sustained Dec. 20 when he took a puck to the face in the first period of a 6-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators. The Detroit native returned to practice recently and will center Chicago’s second line alongside Ryan Donato and Tyler Bertuzzi in Raleigh.
In 33 games this season, Nazar has recorded 21 points (six goals, 15 assists), tying for fourth on the team in scoring. His 15 assists rank fourth among Blackhawks skaters, and his point total matches that mark. Nazar’s production has been a bright spot for a rebuilding Chicago squad (20-22-7, 47 points) that continues to lean on young talent like himself and Connor Bedard to do the heavy lifting on offense.
The activation comes at a key time, as the Blackhawks approach a tougher stretch of schedule against some strong Eastern Conference opponents. Nazar’s speed, playmaking, and ability to drive possession have made him one of the organization’s highest-upside forwards behind Bedard. His return certainly bolsters the forward group, especially with Andre Burakovsky also back in the lineup after missing Monday’s 2-0 win over Winnipeg due to illness. Forward Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) remains out and will not travel for Thursday’s game.