Frank Nazar Will Have A Hearing With Nhl Player Safety For Hit On Bo Horvat

On Thursday night in New York, the Chicago Blackhawks were defeated by the New York Islanders. There is some debate online about the type of loss it was, but the fact is that the Blackhawks played an okay hockey game. They were on the losing end, mostly because the goalie on the other side gave them nothing. 

One of the key stories that followed was the hit that Frank Nazar laid on Islanders forward Bo Horvat. It earned Nazar a five-minute major and a 10-minute misconduct for an illegal check to the head. 

Frank Nazar’s hit here earned him a five minute major.

I wonder if a call from the league will be coming. pic.twitter.com/T60KMDNOQS

— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) October 9, 2026

Many wondered if Nazar would be hearing from the league about this, and we have an answer. On Friday morning, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced that Nazar would have a hearing.

Chicago’s Frank Nazar will have a hearing today for an illegal check to the head against NY Islanders’ Bo Horvat.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 9, 2026

There is going to be some sort of fine or suspension for this play. If there wasn't going to be anything, he wouldn't have a hearing. 

After Nazar made the hit, he stopped and clearly had regret on his face. He did not mean to cause any harm to Horvat, and he has no history of being a dirty player in the NHL. Still, when they conclude what punishment is needed, he will have to take it. 

The announcement of their decision will likely come later on Friday night or on Saturday at some point. The Blackhawks are back in Chicago ahead of their Saturday night game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. 

If Nazar is suspended and Teuvo Teravainen can't suit up, a call-up may be needed. With Dominic Toninato already up, Landon Slaggert may be next in line. 

As soon as the NHL Department of Player Safety announces its decision, we will have more on that and the fallout. 

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