Frank Nazar and the reaction to his contract extension have been a popular subject in NHL circles since Friday. However, there is another Nazar scenario to keep an eye on time.
A few days before the extension, Nazar was 1 of the 44 players appointed to the Olympic orientation camp in 2026 of Team USA. He probably deserved this invitation thanks to the way he played with the Blackhawks in April, combined with his domination for the American team at the IIHF world championships.
The NHL initiate, Eliot Friedman, who does not say things just to say them, had informative things to say on this subject during his last episode of “Podcast 32 thoughts ».
“I’m going to tell you this, Nazar, the way he played the world championships, he was invited to the American Olympic Camp next week,” said Friedman. “I don’t know, nothing against Nazar. But it’s a big request, I think, for him to make the Olympic team next year. But while I was talking, I had guys who had said to me, don’t write it. He might not do it, but he will get the track.
Nazar and Team USA seem to have a good relationship right now. He won a gold medal at the World Juniors and the IIHF World Championship. If he does well at the camp and leaves the strong door in the NHL with Chicago, he has a chance.
There are many good bubbles to consider. With guys like Brock Nelson and Chris Kreider who probably leave the team that followed the confrontation of the 4 countries, there are stains to be taken by anyone wins them. Anyone who can help them win should be part of the team, even if it means having difficult conversations.
Nazar does a lot of things that make him a winning player. We know its offensive skills, but its engine, its speed and versatility make it dangerous in all situations. During the 2024-25 season, Nazar showed that he could kill penalties, which makes him a precious player on this skill, and he makes a difference on the power game.
Sometimes, with all the skills of these best tournaments, it can be difficult to find penalty killers. Most of the best NHL attackers do not kill the penalties. Nazar would certainly be one of the best attackers of this role in the American team if he was part of the team.
As Friedman said, don’t bet on Nazar making the team simply because of the talent basin they choose. However, it is fair to think that he was not invited to camp without really considering that he could gain his way. He needs a huge start for the regular Chicago season to have a chance.
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