Frank Nazar was ranked the 17th best North American skater by NHL’s Central Scouting.
Frank Nazar thinks he’s underrated.
“Kind of just as a whole,” Nazar said. “I feel like I bring a big part to the team. I create a lot of chances, and it’s kind of a little looked over and looked upon. I also don’t really give up much when it comes to the defensive side, and I think that’s kind of something.”
Nazar had 70 points (28 goals and 42 assists) on the U.S. National U18 team this year as he continues to shift from a winger to center. As he’s developing a two-way game, Nazar says the position feels more natural to his skillset.
“Kind of the defensive side, and realizing that there’s more to the game than just going down and scoring a goal,” Nazar said with a laugh. “That’s something that was hard for me in the beginning but once I kind of figured it out, it came easy.”
The 5’10” forward has a quiet confidence and competitiveness inside, never feeling the need to be the loudest guy in the locker room.
“I’m kind of like a quiet, shy guy,” Nazar said. “I kind of like to lead by example, not really just talk and yell at guys. I’m more of a, you see me working hard, you should want to work hard, too. I just like to sit back, do my business and kind of motivate guys that way.”
For Nazar, being a part of this class at the U.S. National Team Development program has pushed him to grow personally and professionally before entering the next chapter.
“Being able to play there the last two years, it helped me a lot in the aspect of realizing how many other guys are in the same spot, how hard you got to work,” Nazar said. “The good thing, what I really liked about the national team is how they shaped me as a player as well as a person, and they helped me with a lot of things, like personality-wise. Realize you got to look in other people’s shoes and stuff like that.”
Nazar is expected to go anywhere within the Sabres’ 9th and 16th overall picks at the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal.