Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar loses 2 teeth, will wear cage

Nazar plans to play Monday night against Buffalo with a protective face mask.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:51pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the blurred, distorted face of a hockey player after being struck by a puck, capturing the raw energy and intensity of the impact.A Blackhawks forward's painful encounter with a puck highlights the physical toll of professional hockey.Ottawa Today

Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar lost two of his top front teeth when he was hit by a puck in the second period of the team's 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. Nazar, who was sidelined for a month earlier this season after breaking his jaw, plans to play Monday night against the Buffalo Sabres while wearing a protective cage over his face.

Why it matters

Injuries to star players can have a significant impact on a team's performance, especially late in the NHL season when teams are fighting for playoff positioning. Nazar's injury highlights the physical toll of hockey and the importance of player safety, as well as the resilience of athletes who are able to quickly return to the ice after sustaining serious facial injuries.

The details

Nazar was hit in the face by a puck during the second period of Saturday's game against the Blues. The 22-year-old forward, who was a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, had previously missed a month of the season after breaking his jaw in a December game against the Ottawa Senators. Despite the latest injury, Nazar plans to play on Monday against the Sabres while wearing a protective face mask.

  • Nazar was hit by the puck and lost two teeth during the second period of the Blackhawks' game against the Blues on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Nazar previously missed a month of the season after breaking his jaw in a game against the Senators on December 20, 2025.
  • Nazar is expected to play against the Sabres on Monday, April 14, 2026, while wearing a protective face cage.

The players

Frank Nazar

A 22-year-old forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who was a first-round draft pick in 2022. Nazar has 15 goals and 26 assists in 64 games this season.

Ethan Del Mastro

A 23-year-old defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks who is expected to play against the Sabres after being scratched on Saturday due to an unspecified injury.

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What they’re saying

“Got it pretty good, but could be a lot worse. So pretty thankful.”

— Frank Nazar, Blackhawks Forward

What’s next

Nazar is expected to play against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, April 14, 2026 while wearing a protective face cage.

The takeaway

Nazar's latest facial injury highlights the physical toll of hockey and the importance of player safety, as well as the resilience of athletes who are able to quickly return to the ice after sustaining serious injuries. His ability to bounce back from a broken jaw earlier this season and now a lost teeth shows his determination to contribute to the Blackhawks' playoff push.