Chicago Blackhawks officially secure Connor Bedard's long term linemate with contract extension

The Chicago Blackhawks are taking a calculated risk that forward Frank Nazar is going to be a major part of their future, announcing a 7 year contract extension with an AAV (average annual value) of $6.9 million.

Not only does it secure Nazar in Chicago for the next several years but it also gives Connor Bedard a linemate to play with.

It could also go a long way in convincing Bedard to stick around with a long term extension of his own; he is going into the final year of his 3 year entry level contract, and as the face of the franchise, Blackhawks management would love to get him signed to a new extension as quickly as possible.

Bedard approved of the deal, writing a quick response to the news of Nazar's contract on Instagram:

This year, Nazar had 26 points (12G, 14A) in 53 games. The Blackhawks took him with the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

The NHL salary cap is going to be going up in the next few years, and if Nazar pans out the way that the Blackhawks are anticipating, his new contract extension could look like one of the better bargains in the NHL.

Not only can Nazar play on the team's 1st line with Bedard, but he can also anchor the 2nd line, where he could begin this year with Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen as his potential linemates.

The Blackhawks may not be expected to compete for a Cup any time soon, but Nazar could help get them there before long.