COLORADO HOCKEY DAILY | NHL TEAM | COLORADO AVALANCHE

Things go from bad to worse for Avalanche rival after crushing injury hits another star forward

PUBLICATION

Theodore Mosby
December 20, 2025 (5:41 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar will miss about four weeks after taking a puck to the face, hurting Chicago's depth and Central standings.

The Chicago Blackhawks dropped a 6-4 decision to the Ottawa Senators, and the mood in the locker room shifted when Nazar didn't return after the first period.

Blackhawks hit with more bad news following loss to Ottawa.

Loading from Twitter ...

Vinnie Parise from The Hockey News writes that head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed the young center's absence will stretch into roughly a month, compounding Chicago's struggles without star Connor Bedard.

That's rough news for any Central Division foe, including the Colorado Avalanche, because it reshuffles the division race and makes the schedule slightly kinder for Colorado down the stretch.

Chicago's top two centers shelved at once creates room for other forwards to get spotlight minutes, but it also means fewer obstacles between the Avs and a crucial set of divisional points.

Chicago managed to score four times in Ottawa behind Ilya Mikheyev's two goals and Nick Lardis' first NHL tally, but it wasn't enough to slow the Senators' third-period surge.

Without Bedard or Nazar driving the middle, the Hawks struggled to carry consistent five-on-five pressure, something Colorado has exploited in recent Avs vs Blackhawks matchups.

For Avalanche fans tracking the Central, this shift matters because it reshapes how games against Chicago might play out later this season, especially with Avs' own injury picture stabilizing.

This also opens questions about ice time distribution in Chicago, and whether players like Ryan Donato or Nick Foligno can fill the void in roles once occupied by Nazar.

Colorado finished strong last matchup versus Chicago, and a weakened Hawks roster could mean similar opportunities for the Avs when they meet again.

If Colorado keeps winning its games in hand while divisional rivals deal with attrition, the Avs can widen their gap in playoff positioning.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

Stunning update emerges as Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar addresses Martin Necas injury after dirty hit

Avalanche on high alert amid growing buzz of all three Hughes brothers reuniting in Minnesota

New report raises serious questions about Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog's future

POLL
DECEMBRE 20 \| 26 ANSWERS Things go from bad to worse for Avalanche rival after crushing injury hits another star forward Do you think the Blackhawks can remain competitive without Bedard and Nazar in their lineup?
Yes	1	3.8 %
No	25	96.2 %
List of polls

Things go from bad to worse for Avalanche rival after crushing injury hits another star forward

Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar will miss about four weeks after taking a puck to the face, hurting Chicago's depth and Central standings.

Blackhawks hit with more bad news following loss to Ottawa.

Do you think the Blackhawks can remain competitive without Bedard and Nazar in their lineup?