Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar puts on impressive performance for Team USA at World Championships

While some think more ice time after a long season might not be ideal, others see it as a chance for these players to grow and help the team's future by playing with other talented young NHL players beyond their own skill level.

One key Blackhawk, Connor Bedard, the 2023 first overall draft pick, chose not to join Team Canada for the tournament following an announcement.

Instead, he's focusing on his training back home in Vancouver to prepare for his important third NHL season this fall.

Two other Blackhawks, Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic, were selected to play for Team USA.

For Vlasic, a 23-year-old defenseman, this is a big opportunity. He had a strong season, becoming a top defenseman for Chicago, and playing with other skilled young players in the tournament will help him improve further.

Nazar, a 2022 first-round pick, has also shown great signs of development this past season, and his performance in a pre-tournament game against Germany has already caught attention.

Nazar finished the 2024-25 season strong with 12 goals and 14 assists in 53 games.

Nazar signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks near the end of the 2023-24 season and scored his first NHL goal on April 14, 2024, against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The team has been beyond pleased with his progress, and this tournament will help him keep improving before his summer training.

Nazar ended the season on a high note, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Ottawa Senators in the final game.

He also scored in each of the last three games, including two-point performances against the Jets and Canadiens.

Averaging over a point per game in April, Nazar is heading into the tournament and offseason with great momentum in hopes for a turnaround season in Chicago next year.