Chicago Blackhawks activate Frank Nazar from IR: 22-year-old forward returns from broken jaw for Thursday night game vs. Carolina Hurricanes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s second line alongside Ryan Donato and Tyler Bertuzzi in Raleigh.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n In 33 games this season, Nazar has recorded 21 points (six goals, 15 assists<\/a>), tying for fourth on the team in scoring. His 15 assists rank fourth among Blackhawks skaters, and his point total matches that mark. Nazar\u2019s production has been a bright spot for a rebuilding Chicago squad (20-22-7, 47 points<\/a>) that continues to lean on young talent like himself and Connor Bedard to do the heavy lifting on offense.<\/p>\n The activation comes at a key time, as the Blackhawks approach a tougher stretch of schedule against some strong Eastern Conference opponents. Nazar\u2019s speed, playmaking, and ability to drive possession have made him one of the organization\u2019s highest-upside forwards behind Bedard. His return certainly bolsters the forward group, especially with Andre Burakovsky also back in the lineup after missing Monday\u2019s 2-0 win over Winnipeg due to illness. Forward Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) remains out and will not travel for Thursday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n