NHL Suspended Chicago Blackhawks Forward Frank Nazar
The forward received a two-game suspension following an illegal check to the head in a game against the New York Islanders.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Hockey
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The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar for two games following an illegal check to the head. The incident occurred during a game against the New York Islanders, resulting in a match penalty for Nazar late in the third period.
Why it matters
The suspension serves as a disciplinary measure by the NHL to deter dangerous contact, specifically targeting hits that impact the head of opposing players. Nazar, a 2022 first-round draft pick, will miss upcoming action as a result of the ruling.
Frank Nazar will forfeit $68,000 in salary as a result of the two-game ban. He has recorded 3 points in his first five games this season, with 30 career goals and 41 career assists across 127 total games played.
The players
Frank Nazar
He is a professional hockey player who was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL draft.
Bo Horvat
He is a professional hockey player who was involved in the collision with Nazar.
NHL Department of Player Safety
This league division is responsible for reviewing on-ice incidents and determining player discipline.
The details
The match penalty was assessed after Nazar made contact with the head of New York Islanders player Bo Horvat. The incident took place in the final frame of the contest, which concluded with a 4-1 score.
Timeline
The match penalty occurred during the game against the New York Islanders on October 8, 2026.
The NHL Department of Player Safety issued the suspension on October 9, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This suspension forces the Chicago Blackhawks to alter their lineup and rotation for the next two games. The absence of a key offensive contributor impacts the team's depth chart and could influence their standing in the division as they navigate early-season matchups.
Nazar will miss two games, which removes him from fantasy rosters and requires the Blackhawks to shift their forward lines. The $68,000 salary forfeiture is a direct financial consequence of the league's ruling against him.
The takeaway
Professional hockey players must adhere to strict safety standards regarding head contact to avoid severe league-imposed penalties. Implementing disciplined checking techniques is essential for maintaining roster availability and avoiding significant financial losses.
Further reading
For more on league-wide disciplinary actions, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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