The Chicago Blackhawks are mired in a four-game winless slump, with their best player, Connor Bedard enduring a rough stretch of his own during the 2024-25 NHL season. While most signs are deflating for the team, interim head coach Anders Sorensen found a silver lining after rookie Frank Nazar’s recent showings.
Nazar, though appearing in his second NHL season, is still a considered a rookie as he played less than 25 games during his first year with the Blackhawks. However, the 21-year-old continues to develop his game night in and night out, becoming a considerable weapon in Chicago.
Despite being older than Bedard, Nazar’s NHL career is younger than the 2023 first overall selection. The two young talents are playing together on the Blackhawks’ first line as of late, and despite the overall struggles, Sorensen remains confident on the young, dynamic-duo.
Sorensen‘s trust in Nazar and Bedard runs deep, as the head coach shuffled the young stars on the ice, shifting Bedard to the wing and placing Nazar at center. It may not have shown on the scoreboard, but the coach’s confidence remains steadfast.
Frank Nazar #91 of the Chicago Blackhawks warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at the United Center on January 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
“Lots of good moments. I think last game Nazar had a handful of really good, controlled entries where he created shots for his teammates and a couple there for Bedard,” Sorensen said about the young stars, via CHGO Blackhawks on X. “They’ve been playing off each other really well.
see also
Blackhawks HC Anders Sorensen sets example with Sidney Crosby while defending Connor Bedard’s game misconducts
“The way we play, Bedard’s used to playing down low, as well, so whoever arrives there first plays down low or whoever takes the faceoff. But they’ve been feeding off each other real well.”
Sorensen speaks on Bedard’s game misconducts
The 2023-24 Calder Trophy winner has recently grabbed headlines around the league, but for the wrong reasons. Bedard was assessed consecutive game misconducts in Chicago’s latest games, letting his emotions get the best of him. Though costly for the Blackhawks, Sorensen appreciated Bedard’s competitive fire.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the New York Rangers during the first period at the United Center on January 05, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
“Last game, it was a scrum — I’m kinda [like], ‘Good for him. He stuck his nose in there and stayed in there.’ We discount that one,” Sorensen admitted. “The one in San Jose, it’s frustration [in the] heat of the moment as a young player. There’s frustration sometimes [with] how they handle it. But he’s aware and he’s getting better at it.”
see also
Chicago star Ryan Donato sends 5-word message about his future with Connor Bedard, Anders Sorensen’s Blackhawks
Turn the page
Hoping to stop the bleeding, the Blackhawks will host the Seattle Kraken on March 18, with Bedard and Nazar leading the first line alongside breakout forward Ryan Donato. Bedard will vie to snap his three-game point drought amid a rough March, where he has managed just three points—one goal and two assists.
