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Although it’s been a brutal season for the Blackhawks on the NHL level, much of the team’s focus is on the future and its impressive prospect pool, which often ranks among the best in hockey. That pipeline has flexed its muscles this week at the IIHF’s World Junior Championships, where an incredible six Blackhawks prospects have found their way onto two squads. Now more than halfway through this year’s group play, the youngsters are making big impacts on their respective teams.
Adam Gajan
After earning last year’s best goaltender honors at the tournament, Gajan made a return to Team Slovakia with high expectations. The netminder has been stout in goal throughout his first three appearances. He kicked off the tournament by stopping all but two goals in his first game, one of which was deflected into the net by his own teammate. Gajan followed that performance just one day later with a 36-save shutout, including a handful of incredible stops. Although he gave up four goals in a win against Norway early Friday morning, the goalie has guided his team to a 3-0 start in group play.
Frank Nazar III
Another prospect with high expectations entering the tournament, Nazar has been prolific in the scoring column with six assists in three games. He was one of the most notable skaters in Team USA’s 11-3 rout of Switzerland Thursday, picking up four primary assists. Plenty of Blackhawks fans will be keeping an eye on Nazar throughout the tournament — he’s Chicago’s top prospect after being drafted 13th overall in 2022. As Team USA’s second-line center, he’ll play a big role in their fight for a potential championship.
Martin Misiak
Team Slovakia’s other skater making an impact so far is Martin Misiak, who finds himself in his third straight season with the U20 squad. This year’s second-round pick of the Blackhawks has made the most of his high expectations with three assists in three games. The all-around forward has played well with the OHL’s Erie Otters this season and has certainly caught the attention of Chicago’s front office.
The three young skaters are far from the only Blackhawks making an impact on the international stage — Oliver Moore, Gavin Hayes and Sam Rinzel are all having a positive effect on Team USA. The Blackhawks’ extensive list of high-caliber prospects in this tournament further prove the talent and depth of their impressive pipeline.
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