Frank Nazar had an impressive stint with the Chicago Blackhawks last season. After being called up to the NHL on Dec. 13, he skated in 53 games and registered 12 goals and 14 assists. The 21-year-old forward impressed with his explosive skating and high hockey IQ. Of course, he’s hardly scratched the surface of his NHL career and his potential. Preparing for his first full NHL season, he knows there’s much work to be done to become a core piece around which the organization will build.
Perhaps no one has set the bar as high as Nazar himself. In an interview with Chicago Sports Network, he hinted at which established player he’s using as a model for his game: Brayden Point.
A thorough look at Nazar and Point reveals how apt an inspiration Point can be for Nazar. If Nazar can reach those heights, the Blackhawks will have found a center who—like Point—will be crucial to the franchise’s long-term success.
Similarities Between Nazar and Point
The most obvious similarity between Nazar and Point is their physical statures. Nazar stands at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, while Point is 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds. There’s much more, though, that makes Nazar and Point comparable. Both are right-handed centers who play with explosive speed and dynamic edge work. That skating ability is perhaps the most exciting skill that Nazar possesses which Point has proven throughout his career can be a game breaker. Watch the clip below of Point’s assist on Brad Marchand’s goal at the 4 Nations Face-Off to see how his speed separates him.
Brad Marchand in Montreal! 🇨🇦
Canada leads 2-0! #4Nations
🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/1OeWbNgQN7— NHL (@NHL) February 13, 2025
Now watch Nazar in the clip below use his speed on the back check to prevent an empty-net goal. You can see how both he and Point only need a small amount of open ice to reach top speed.
Look at this hustle by Frank Nazar to help prevent an empty-net goal. What a gamer. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/89fM0I0W3b
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 29, 2025
Their mechanics and strides look eerily familiar as well. As relatively shorter players, they have lower centers of gravity, and both lean over quite a bit while galloping up and down the ice (compared to a player like Jack Eichel who is known for his upright…
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