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Blackhawks biggest loss on Saturday was Frank Nazar, per Jeff Blashill

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Sam Walker
December 20, 2025 (11:08 PM)

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Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar is out for roughly four weeks after taking a puck to the face in Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators, and it's shaping up as the biggest blow from that game for coach Jeff Blashill and the team.

Nazar, 21, left the contest early in the first period and didn't return, the Blackhawks announced during the game. Blashill said after the loss that the injury will sideline one of Chicago's core forwards for about a month.

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That timeline lands him out alongside Connor Bedard, who is already sidelined with a shoulder injury and won't play again this month before a January reevaluation.

Chicago has leaned on Nazar this season as a driver of offense and a two-way presence, and losing him clobbers the middle of the lineup.

At 5'10» and 190 pounds, Nazar had six goals and 21 points in 33 games for the Blackhawks this season before the injury.

Blackhawks lose Frank Nazar for weeks

Without Nazar and Bedard, the Blackhawks' forward group feels like it's skating without its compass. Chicago scraped together four goals on Saturday despite the absences but struggled to slow down Ottawa's attack.

Nick Lardis' first NHL goal offered a glimmer of encouragement, but that felt small compared to losing two of the club's most electric forwards. Blashill made it clear the team must find secondary scoring and reliability through the lineup while Nazar recovers.

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Fans watching the loss saw how much Nazar's absence mattered, especially in the faceoff circle and in transition. His absence puts pressure on rookies and depth players to fill big minutes, especially down the middle.

Ryan Greene saw increased responsibility in the game following Nazar's exit, showing that younger players will be counted on more heavily until return dates are clearer.

Chicago's upcoming schedule doesn't get easier, and losing Nazar creates a hole that simply won't be filled by a single call-up or adjustment. The Blackhawks need contributions from multiple forwards to keep pace.

Through all of this the club remains focused on getting Nazar and Bedard healthy while trying to stay competitive in a tight Central Division.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks provide bothering Frank Nazar update after injury vs. Senators

Kings and Blackhawks emerging as unexpected trade partners with veteran forward in the Mix

Blackhawks welcome back 25 cup-winning alumni members on January 17

POLL
DECEMBRE 20 \| 73 ANSWERS Blackhawks biggest loss on Saturday was Frank Nazar, per Jeff Blashill Do you think Frank Nazar returns before Connor Bedard?
Yes	25	34.2 %
No	35	47.9 %
Not Sure	13	17.8 %
List of polls

Blackhawks biggest loss on Saturday was Frank Nazar, per Jeff Blashill

Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar is out for roughly four weeks after taking a puck to the face in Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators, and it's shaping up as the biggest blow from that game for coach Jeff Blashill and the team.

Blackhawks lose Frank Nazar for weeks

Do you think Frank Nazar returns before Connor Bedard?