MONTREAL — The Blackhawks went into the 2022 NHL Draft week without a first-round selection, but that changed on Thursday after they traded Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach in separate deals for the No. 7 and No. 13 overall selections and other draft picks.
After taking offensive defenseman Kevin Korchinski with the No. 7 selection, the Blackhawks drafted forward Frank Nazar with the No. 13 pick.
"Honestly I didn't know what to think," Nazar said when asked what his emotions were after his name got called. "It was more just jump up and hug my mom and just enjoy the moment. It was great to be there with my family and hug all of them. Honestly we did it together, it wasn't just me, and they were there. It was great. I'm extremely excited."
Nazar, 18, recorded 70 points (28 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games for the United States National Under-18 team. He also compiled 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 24 games with the USNTDP Juniors in the USHL, and registered nine points (three goals, six assists) at the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championships on Team USA, which took home a silver medal.
Nazar, who's 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, transitioned from wing to center about a year and a half ago and didn't skip a beat. He said he's trying to emulate Brayden Point, who's one of the best two-way forwards in the league.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has made it known that he wants his teams to play an up-tempo brand of hockey moving forward, and Nazar fits right into that category.
"Easy player to like," director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey said. "You've heard me say speed, speed, speed. He can absolutely fly. He makes quick plays under pressure and he's not afraid to drive the middle of the ice on the rush, bring people with them and then bounce the puck out left or right.
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"A lot of utility. He didn't get a lot of power-play time this year because their top unit was excellent. Very good on the penalty kill and character, again, through the roof. Checks a lot of boxes, leadership material."