The Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the more active teams this offseason. While free agency saw them bring in just one new player, Sam Lafferty, the Blackhawks have signed multiple new players since July 1.
One of their most recent deals was re-signing forward Frank Nazar to a multi-year deal on August 22. But while Nazar has yet to play even one full season with the Blackhawks, his recent payday has already overtaken the career earnings of one NHL legend.
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Since being picked #13 overall in round one of the 2022 NHL Draft, Nazar has been seen as a long-term offensive piece for the Blackhawks. Last season saw him surpass the 50-game mark, playing 53 games and scoring 26 points (12 goals and 14 assists).
This rookie season was enough for the Blackhawks to offer Nazar a seven-year, $46.13 million deal with an AAV of $6.6 million. Critics believe that the Blackhawks are expecting big things from the 21-year-old.
$46.00m — Wayne Gretzky’s career earnings
$46.13m — Frank Nazar’s contract after 56 career games
Times have changed, hey? pic.twitter.com/Obts0UhZ7Z
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) August 21, 2025
But beyond his numbers on the ice, Nazar has already broken Gretzky’s career earnings record. In a recent tweet shared by “Big Head Hockey,” the analyst revealed that with his recent contract, Nazar will make more money in seven years than Gretzky.
MORE: ‘Frank Nazar Got More’ — Marco Rossi’s $15M Deal Raises More Questions Than Answers for NHL Fans
The “Great One ” earned $46 million combined in his 20 years in the NHL, playing for the Edmonton Oilers and the LA Kings. On the other hand, Nazar has secured $46.13 million with his latest re-signing.
Combined with the $2.85 million Nazar made with his entry-level contract, by the time he turns UFA in 2033, he will have made $3 million more than Gretzky. This is surprising, considering the kind of player Gretzky was.
With four seasons where he scored more than 200 points and 15 seasons with more than 100 points, Gretzky remains the most dominant player in NHL history. Even 26 years after his retirement, his league record of 1963 assists and 2857 regular-season points still stands.
Big Head Hockey also noted that the times have changed since Gretzky was active. In contrast, active veterans like Ovechkin and long-time Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby have crossed $150 million in career earnings.
MORE: Insider Makes Opinion Clear as Chicago Blackhawks Make Frank Nazar $46.2 Million Richer
As per Spotrac, Ovechkin and Crosby have made $161.72 million and $155.89 million, respectively, in their 17-year-long NHL careers. With both of them still active, this number is expected to rise even more. This is in stark contrast to Gretzky.
Though some blame inflation, it can’t be argued that the league’s increasing revenue over the years has also played a big role in the salaries. Compared to Gretzky’s 10-year, $3 million deal, modern Oilers stars like Connor McDavid have contracts upwards of $100 million.
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