Bedard's rookie season looms as Chicago eyes a skating upgrade and a renewed shoot-first edge, with Nazar's extension talks adding a cap-angle to Bedard’s trajectory. The Hawks plan to lean into Bedard’s goal-threat and power-play potential, watching how quickly he lands his stride against tougher defenses. Nazar’s deal creates context for Bedard’s future, but there’s no rush to ink a long-term contract.

The chatter around Bedard’s release and mechanics suggests a notable fantasy upside if he translates a summer tweak into scoring consistency. Chicago remains patient on balances between development and cap reality, making Bedard a core bet with room to grow as the season unfolds.

Frank Nazar signed a seven-year extension with the Chicago Blackhawks worth 46.13 million, a move that signals a core commitment to the franchise’s rebuild alongside Connor Bedard and Artyom Levshunov. Nazar, who posted 26 points in 53 games last season at ages 20-21, brings elite speed and playmaking to a lineup that aims to climb back into contention as Bedard’s development accelerates. The contract carries a 6.59 million cap hit beginning in 2026-27, tying Nazar to Chicago for eight seasons of team control and signaling he’ll be a central piece through the Hawks’ next wave. Nazar’s U.S. world championship gold and Olympic orientation camp invite add to the expected ascent. For fantasy managers, Nazar is a high-upside dynasty asset whose value could surge if he lines with Bedard on the Hawks’ top unit and takes on meaningful power-play minutes as Levshunov develops beside him.

Bedard and Levshunov form a compelling young trio with Nazar, giving fantasy owners specfic lines to monitor as Chicago’s offense potentially takes a sizable step forward later in the decade. Nazar’s blend of speed, vision, and scoring ability creates a dynamic where he can rack up assists and goals in a volatile offensive environment, especially if Chicago begins to push for playoff contention. The extension also provides stability for Nazar’s timeline, reducing risk for dynasty rosters relying on his long-term production. Overall, Nazar’s deal crystallizes a confident Hawks rebuild plan and positions him as a cornerstone for fantasy rosters tracking Chicago’s progress.

Frank Nazar signed a seven-year extension with the Chicago Blackhawks worth 46.13 million, tying the dynamic forward to the club through 2033 with a 6.59 million cap hit starting in 2026-27. Nazar produced 26 points in 53 games as a 20-21-year-old and helped the U.S. win the world championship. The deal signals Chicago’s commitment to a speedy rebuild around Nazar, Bedard and Levshunov, aiming to accelerate a fast, skilled offense.

Nazar’s elite speed and playmaking create chances for teammates and pressure for opponents every night, elevating his fantasy upside on a top-line and power-play role if ice time and line chemistry materialize. With Bedard driving the offense and Levshunov adding a young blueprint on the blue line, Nazar sits at the center of a potential high-pace scoring core that fantasy managers will have circled for years.

Chicago’s long-term plan hinges on Nazar, Bedard and Levshunov, signaling a rebuild built on speed and skill. Bedard’s presence could unlock Nazar’s ceiling, especially on the man advantage, while Levshunov’s development will influence studly blue-line potential. For fantasy players, Nazar looks like a breakout candidate if he lands top-six minutes and PP1 opportunities as the Hawks ascend back toward relevance.

Frank Nazar signed a seven-year extension with the Chicago Blackhawks worth just under 46.2 million, averaging about 6.6 million per year. The deal underscores the organization’s commitment to Nazar, who has appeared in 56 NHL games with 26 points (16 in the final 27 games) since debuting in 2023-24. Drafted 13th overall in 2022, Nazar is expected to shoulder a prominent role in Chicago’s center depth, positioned as the No. 2 center behind Bedard as the franchise begins to assemble a competitive roster around its two young anchors.

Nazar’s long-term contract signals Chicago’s faith in a rapid ascent, pairing with Bedard to form a core for the foreseeable future. The duo gives the Hawks a clear pathway to rebuild, with Nazar’s development and line placement likely dictating much of the team’s forward structure and fantasy relevance from season to season.