Gary Bettman hands out major fine to Blackhawks rookie

Frank Nazar, a top prospect fresh out of Michigan University, made headlines this week by signing his NHL Entry Level contract. Following Michigan's loss in the Frozen Four, the Blackhawks wasted no time in bringing him into the fold.

To everyone's surprise, Nazar was slated to play his first NHL game alongside Jason Dickinson and Joey Anderson. But before hitting the ice, there was an unexpected hiccup: the rookie lap.

Since the 2019-20 season, Gary Bettman the NHL has required all new players to wear a helmet during warmups, or face a hefty $2,500 fine. Despite the rule, Nazar took to the ice without a helmet, a move that's sure to result in a fine.

Speculation abounds that the Blackhawks may have encouraged Nazar to forego the helmet, with assurances that they'll cover the impending penalty like they did with Connor Bedard.