Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar returned to practice Sunday, his first on-ice action with the team since Dec. 20.
“Feels good to be back with the guys and skating and had a lot of fun out there today,” Nazar said. “They’re playing really well to start the year, so just itching to get back and do what I can to help the team win.”
Nazar exited in the first period of a 7-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators after being hit in the face by a deflected puck. He skated off the ice in more frustration than visible pain and didn’t return.
The 2022 first-round draft pick (No. 13) signed a seven-year, $46.13 million contract extension with the Hawks last offseason, cementing him as a cornerstone of the young Hawks core led by Connor Bedard.
Nazar has played in 33 games this season, putting up 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) and 66 shots on goal. He scored the first goal of the NHL season Oct. 7 in a 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers.
Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said Nazar won’t play Monday against the Winnipeg Jets — Jonathan Toews’ return to the United Center — but he will be monitored throughout the week. The positive update indicates Nazar’s return may be coming sooner than later.
“As far as I know he won’t play tomorrow unless something drastic changes it, but I don’t think he will,” Blashill said. “That would allow him another full practice, at least, and see where we go from there.”
Nazar’s return might come at the right time, too, given that the Hawks have lost four of their last five. Their offensive struggles continued Saturday in a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins.
There has been a slew of games in January thanks to the break for the Winter Olympics next month, which means less practice time. There’s a noticeable difference in getting rhythm solely in games compared with practices.
“There’s a good and bad probably to it,” Blashill said. “There’s a rhythm of being in games, and I think guys like that. We’ve tried to utilize pregame skates when we haven’t practiced.
“The good part is tomorrow’s a new day, so if it hasn’t gone well lately, tomorrow’s a new day. If it has gone well, you better keep it going because they’re coming at you fast.”
Teuvo Teräväinen (upper body) did not practice and will miss his third straight game against the Jets.