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Blackhawks prospect proving he's ready for an NHL call-up when needed in Chicago
Photo credit: NHL.com
Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis, taken with the 67th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, is showing why he'd be a prime call-up candidate.
The Chicago Blackhawks are off to an impressive start this year, having already won 10 games and tied for 3rd place in the Central Division.
The obvious contributors are players like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, along with goalie Spencer Knight, playing in his first full year in a Chicago sweater.
But there are also good young players in the Chicago system who are showing what they can do at the AHL level, like Nick Lardis.
Per Blackhawks analyst Rob Couch, Lardis is a prime candidate to be called up to Chicago if needed.
"Lardis has played 15 games this season, and the only two rookies ahead of him are Quinn Hutson (7 goals, 15 points in 15 games), who is nearly 24 years old, and Matvei Gridin (6 goals, 15 points in 15 games), but he has also played four NHL games.
The Blackhawks are filled with youth at the moment and it makes the most sense to allow Lardis to continue to dominate in the AHL before getting the call. He will likely get a little trial at the end of the season, but until then, he continues to gain confidence and play a lot."
The Blackhawks are filled with youth at the moment and it makes the most sense to allow Lardis to continue to dominate in the AHL before getting the call. He will likely get a little trial at the end of the season, but until then, he continues to gain confidence and play a lot."
Nick Lardis Is An Impressive Blackhawks Prospect
Lardis, who was taken with the 67th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks, has 14 points (5G, 9A) in 15 games so far with the American Hockey League affiliate Rockford IceHogs.
Last year, he played with the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs and had his offensive skills on full display, scoring 117 points (71 G, 46 A) in 65 games played.
It probably won't be long before Blackhawks fans see him in a Chicago sweater more regularly.
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