Fans React to Chicago Blackhawks' Controversial $46 Million Frank Nazar Contract

If Wayne Gretzky were handed a dose of truth serum this week, you'd have to wonder what he'd say about Frank Nazar's new deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 20-year-old forward inked a seven-year, $46.13 million contract on Thursday, a total that didn't take long to catch fans' attention.

Why? Frank Nazar's contract is technically worth more than the $46.01 million Wayne Gretzky earned in his entire career.

That Gretzky, yes. The one who scored 894 goals, shattered virtually every NHL record in existence, and is still widely regarded as the greatest player the game has ever seen.

Naturally, context is important. Inflation-adjusted, Gretzky's career earnings would be over $100 million in today's dollars.

That hasn't prevented fans from enjoying the humor in the fact that a rookie with fewer NHL games than Gretzky had four-goal nights is already ahead of him in terms of money.

The truth is straightforward: the times have changed. With the 2025 salary cap at $95.5 million, clubs are tying up promising talent sooner and for more money than ever.

Still, it's easy to picture Gretzky shaking his head at the evolution of the business, how unproven players can now command life-changing contracts before proving they belong among hockey's elite.

Ultimately, Nazar's contract is not so much about him as it is about the times. It demonstrates how much bigger the NHL has become, and how young stars are now compensated not only for greatness, but for their promise.