Blackhawks announce Connor Bedard's replacement with AHL call up of goal-scoring forward Nick Lardis

Bedard, 20, was hurt in a last-minute faceoff Friday and is out for Saturday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, leaving the team to lean on youth and depth to carry the offense.

A sports doctor delivered a verdict on Bedard's injury, and the timeline is quite long for his return.

Lardis arrives leading all AHL rookies with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 24 games, a production mark that pushed the Blackhawks to make the call.

The 20-year-old right wing out of Oakville, Ontario, was selected 67th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, and he's been among the most dynamic scorers in the Rockford attack this season.

In Rockford, Lardis has been one of the few true offensive weapons, translating his prolific junior scoring to the pro level with relative ease. He put up 71 goals and 117 points in the OHL last season, a feat few junior players ever replicate, and has continued to flash that scoring touch in the AHL this year.

He also earned AHL Rookie of the Month honors in October, underscoring the buzz around his potential.

Lardis may not replace Bedard's superstar impact overnight, but Blackhawks fans already feel the excitement around his call-up. His ability to create offense and finish chances gives Chicago a spark at a time it really needs it.

Head coach Jeff Blashill praised the forward's performance in Rockford before announcing the recall, noting that Lardis has «earned every chance he's gotten» and that his speed and scoring instincts could help on Chicago's second and third lines.

With Bedard sidelined, the Blackhawks will look to Lardis to boost secondary scoring and provide energy. His first NHL shifts will be closely watched, and if he can translate his AHL swagger to NHL ice, this could be the start of a long-term role.