PLYMOUTH, Michigan – Last week, right before the start of the World Junior Summer Showcase, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Frank Nazar was asked the “100 percent,” question. 

How was the surgically-repaired hip? What about the skating stride? Was he fully ready to embrace his sophomore year at the University of Michigan after missing the majority of his freshman campaign, and struggling to get up to Big 10 speed after the injury?

Nazar gave the canned answer, how he was feeling great, this camp and tournament in Plymouth were the ideal runway to this season. 

There’s nothing wrong with that sentiment, but it’s boilerplate language for any player coming off injury, especially one with media training like Nazar who was picked 13th overall in 2022 by Chicago. 

Actions, as the cliche states, speak lo