Putting Blackhawks Frank Nazar’s Contract Into Perspective – The Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

Frank Nazar signed a seven-year, $6.59 million average annual value (AAV) contract extension earlier this month. Immediately, fans rejoiced at general manager (GM) Kyle Davidson’s handiwork, securing such a talented young player at a bargain.

At 21, Nazar earned himself security and a well-deserved pay raise. And when this contract expires, he’ll be set up for another payday at 29.

Related: Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Previews: Frank Nazar

It’s a win for the player, the organization, and the fanbase.

Quickly, though, people began noting that Nazar’s contract surpasses that of some notable players like Kirill Kaprizov or Wayne Gretzky. But without context, those comparisons can be misleading. So let’s take a closer look at how much money he’ll make and when he’ll make it.

Nazar’s Contract Breakdown

Nazar won’t be receiving a flat $6.59 million every season when this contract begins. That number is what will go against the Blackhawks’ salary cap. Instead, the money he will be paid varies nearly every year, according to PuckPedia.

Now, I don’t share these numbers because I’m nosy and want to expose Nazar. For better or for worse, we live in a world where players’ salaries are easily accessible. That exposure, naturally, leads to comparisons and analyses.

Regardless of how much Nazar takes home each season, by the end of this contract, he will have earned $46,199,937. And that total dollar amount is what launched the comparisons.

Nazar vs. Kirill Kaprizov

Nazar’s contract demanded attention because it’s the largest ticket signed for a player with his experience of 56 games. Previously, Kaprizov held that honor after he signed a five-year, $45 million in 2021 after playing 55 games.

Of course, people began comparing Nazar and Kaprizov, with some saying that Nazar doesn’t deserve to make more money than Kaprizov with practically the same number of games played.

While that stat sounds flashy, an apples-to-apples comparison between Nazar and Kaprizov doesn’t hold. Kaprizov’s $9 million AAV is significantly higher than Nazar’s. Furthermore, during the 2021-22 season, when Kaprizov’s contract kicked in, the salary cap plateaued at $81.5 million. Meaning,…