Scout: Jeremy
Chicago Blackhawks
2022 NHL Entry Draft
1st Round Pick
13th Overall Selection by the Chicago Blackhawks
MAIN REPORT
Skating:
Above Average. Nazar is a smooth north-south skater. His strength on his feet could use work, but I think that's something he'll grow into and succeed with.
Puck handling:
Elite. Nazar seems to not even lose speed when carrying the puck, his quick hands combined with his speed make it hard to take it from him too, and he is a pinpoint passer.
Shot:
Average. Nazar did not shoot much in the games I watched him, so I'm open to a revision on this, but it seems the majority of his goals are going to be close-range or due to his ability to get open, not wiring shots off the rush or on one-timers.
IQ (vision, offensive and defensive anticipation, panic meter):
Elite. Nazar is infinitely patient with the puck. He's mastered the art of holding onto it for guys to get open without holding it too long and losing it.
Defense:
Above Average. Nazar is a responsible player in his own zone, but not a standout one. Still, coaches should have no problem playing him big minutes. His strength defensively actually comes on the forecheck, where he is often applying pressure to opposing D with his speed.
Best Asset:
Puck handling and Vision – he's good at finding the open guy and not over-stickhandling.
Biggest Concern:
Size. He gets muscled off of pucks easily and loses battles in corners. The good thing is he isn't afraid to take on bigger guys, so when he does fill out he should start succeeding more.
Top Tier Potential:
Tier 1. Nazar has definitive 100 point upside if he hits his ceiling.
Most Likely Tier:
Tier 2. I think Nazar will settle in nicely with at least 70 points annually. My concern is his BASH – he doesn't hit or block much, and his shot dropoff was precipitous from USNTDP to NCAA.
Stylistic Comparable:
Jack Hughes. I like the way Nazar's head is always up and he's moving his feet with and without the puck. He's going to be a headache to cover once his body fills out and he adjusts to the NHL game.
GAME REPORTS
Date: 3/18/23
League: NCAA
Team: Michigan
Opponent: Minnesota
Score: 4-3 win
Notable Stats (G, A, SOG, TOI, etc): 13:55 TOI, 1 SOG
Passing/Stickhandling:
Good hands, comfortable carrying the puck. Makes stick-to-stick passes.
Shooting:
Over-passes at times.
Skating:
Solid. Plays a north-south game, but really good at closing down time and space of opponents.
Defense:
Can close down defenders on the forecheck well. Also did a good job of getting his stick in a few passing lanes today.
Decision Making/Panic Meter/IQ:
Made a few bad pass decisions, but all-in-all is confident with the puck.
Standout skill today:
Skating
What was missing today?:
No nose for the net. Got himself open, but wasn't willing to create off the rush.
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Date: 3/11/23
League: NCAA
Team: Michigan
Opponent: Ohio State
Score: 7-3 win
Notable Stats (G, A, SOG, TOI, etc): 15:50 TOI, 1A
Passing/Stickhandling:
Good with the puck on his stick. Also shoutout to his faceoffs this game. This could be an underrated asset of his game even.
Shooting:
No shots this game, but had some attempts. His wrist shot windup may be too slow to get off at times. He'll need to work on that.
Skating:
Solid skating until he gets hit. Is good at wrapping around the net and creating a step there.
Defense:
Gets back into position well.
Decision Making/Panic Meter/IQ:
Really good at holding onto the puck the right amount of time. Waits for someone to be open, but doesn't hold on long enough to lose it.
Standout skill today:
Faceoffs
What was missing today?:
Still no shooting.
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Date: 1/5/22
League: U18 WJC
Team: USA
Opponent: Sweden
Score: 6-4 loss
Notable Stats (G, A, SOG, TOI, etc): 13:18 TOI, 1G, 2 SOG
Passing/Stickhandling:
Very comfortable with the puck. Quick hands and crisp passes.
Shooting:
Good finishing ability, but not a cannon of a shot. Good at creating space for himself and then putting one on-net.
Skating:
He's fast and willing to take guys on in the corner and along the boards, but often loses those battles.
Defense:
Not particularly noticeable, but he does hustle back and seems to play well positionally. Notable that he was playing PK minutes too.
Decision Making/Panic Meter/IQ:
Low panic meter, good decision making. Very active off the puck – often puts himself in good spots for a tip or a rebound.
Standout skill today:
His speed and stick skill created chances a few times.
What was missing today?:
Didn't seem to have that physical drive to win battles along the boards.
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