Frank Nazar delivers bold response to those who criticized his contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks
Photo credit: NHL.com
Just one week after signing a hefty contract extension with the Blackhawks, forward Frank Nazar has spoken out as to why he chose Chicago as his longtime NHL home.
This summer, Frank Nazar revealed to The Athletic that he wants to remain a Blackhawk for the rest of his life.
Just a few months later, he put pen to paper on the highest-paid NHL contract for a player with as little NHL experience as he had, with a seven-year contract extension worth $6.59M per season.
Amidst plenty of criticism surrounding the organization, with many alleging that the team overpaid substantially, Nazar has seemingly hushed the critics.
«There are a lot of great reasons to want to stay in Chicago and be a Blackhawk the rest of my life and the rest of my career,» Nazar, whose contract extension begins in the 2026-27 season, said. «Being part of such a great organization that's an original six teamAnd the fans come each and every night, no matter win or loss or how we're doing - they bring the energy. There's nothing like that support and that love from everybody in the community.»
Frank Nazar reveals that Blackhawks fans played a big part in his contract extension
According to Nazar himself, the Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and other sports organizations throughout the city of Chicago made him want to be here permanently.
«No matter what, there are fans in the building each night and they're cheering loud and they're screaming,» Nazar said. «Once the national anthem comes on - it's something that gives you goosebumps when you're sitting there and getting ready for a game, and you don't see that much around the league.»
Not just the fans themselves, but the atmosphere of the United Center, which carries a rich history of sports icons since opening in 1994.
«All the history that has happened at the United Center, all of the players that have come through with hockey and basketball, it's pretty insane to think about everything that has gone on in that building,» Nazar said. «Being able to walk through those halls before each game and just thinking about each and every night and each and every thing that's happened there and just being able to be so lucky to play there.»
Even Chicago's food scene keeps Nazar busy.
«I'm a big food guy. I love just random shops that have the best food,» Nazar said. «You could go to a little hole in the wall, and they have the best food you've had. [I like] the diversity of everything in the city and how everything is so closeIt's just a city you enjoy being in and just a lot of fun in every season and every part of the year.»
Being in Chicago for so little of time, Nazar has surprisingly built long-lasting relationships through charity camps at the Blackhawks' practice facility, Fifth Third Arena.
«I've already started doing things that I enjoy, been to a few camps here.» Nazar said. «Being able to skate with some future Blackhawks, some younger kids, and kind of show them the ways - just being able to talk to them and hang out with them has been a lot of fun. It's something I love to do, and I'm definitely going to be doing a lot more.»
Previously on HawksInsider
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 3 | 672 ANSWERS Frank Nazar delivers bold response to those who criticized his contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks overpaid Frank Nazar on his contract extension? | ||
| Yes | 232 | 34.5 % |
| Maybe | 154 | 22.9 % |
| No | 286 | 42.6 % |
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