The Daily: Michigan’s Nazar Makes Must-See Pass; Preds’ Draftee Transferring

Chicago Hockey Now’s Nate Brown has written that he expects University of Michigan standout Frank Nazar to be in the Chicago Blackhawks’ lineup next fall. On Easter Sunday, Nazar made the case himself by demonstrating how entertainingly slick he can be offensively in helping Michigan down Michigan St. to reach the Frozen Four.

As the video below shows, Nazar (Chicago, 13th overall, 2022) delivered a puck through his legs to set up Gavin Brindley (Columbus Blue Jackets, 33th overall, 2023) for the team’s fourth goal in a 5-2 win.

The presumption is the Blackhawks will offer Nazar a contract as soon as Michigan’s season is over.  The Wolverines will play Boston College on Thursday, April 11 (8:30 p.m., ET, ESPN2) in the Frozen Four semifinal at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Denver and Boston University are playing in the other semifinal.

“There’s no fooling anymore,” Brown wrote on Chicago Hockey Now. “Frank Nazar is the real deal and will be a strong candidate to not only get that entry-level deal–but also a real shot at the Blackhawks opening night lineup come October.”

This pass from @umichhockey's Frank Nazar is 🤯

📺: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Ih4ArLQKeh

— Big Ten Hockey (@B1GHockey) April 1, 2024

Red Wings g  Case You Missed It

• Red Wings prospects Shai Buium (Denver) and Kienan Draper (Michigan) will both be playing in the Frozen Four NCAA champion starting April 11.
• Detroit top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa hasn’t lost Grand Rapids Griffins in regulation since Jan. 12. He has earned at least one point for his team in 17 consecutive games.
• Detroit is 0-2-2 on this road trip. Is the team in a state of denial? Bob Duff weighs in.

Red Wings Next Game

The clock is ticking for the Red Wings. With only eight games remaining, every game is a must-win contest, including tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coach Jon Cooper’s Tampa Bay is 8-1-1 in their last 10, but Detroit has beaten the Lightning twice this season.

Hockey Now Network

Montreal: Premium prospect Lane Hutson helped Boston University reach the Frozen Four with a 6-3 win against Minnesota. Hutson had the GWG in that game. His Terriers will play Denver on April 11. Defenseman Hutson has 49 points in 37 games.  Montreal Canadiens.

Nashville: Matthew Wood, the Nashville Predators’ 2023 first round pick, is changing schools to continue his NCAA career. After playing two seasons at the University of Connecticut, he is entering the transfer portal.

Philadelphia:  PHN takes a look at the Philadelphia Flyers‘ playoff odds and the possible scenarios if they make the postseason.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski tries to make sense of why the Pittsburgh Penguins have lost in regulation 19 times after leading in the game. That’s certainly at the heart of the team’s struggles this season.