The Blackhawks finally made the most-anticipated transaction of their season Friday.
Top forward prospect Frank Nazar was called up to the NHL and will likely make his season debut Saturday against the Devils.
Nazar, who scored his first career goal on his first career shot during a three-game NHL stint at the end of last season, was assigned to the AHL after a just-OK training camp and preseason performance to begin this season.
While in Rockford, however, Nazar has thrived, accumulating 24 points in 20 games. He’s tied for sixth overall in the league in scoring and tops among league rookies.
He has played with immense confidence, and the Hawks have been reluctant to disrupt that rhythm with a call-up, deserved as it may be. But with Rockford coach Anders Sorensen — who already helped Nazar address his shift-to-shift inconsistency, his most notable weakness — promoted to Hawks interim coach, calling Nazar up may actually help him maintain that momentum.
There’s no guarantee he stays up in the NHL permanently now, but his arrival provides a jolt of excitement and intrigue without question.
Defenseman Alec Martinez, meanwhile, was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury.
This story will be updated.