NHL insider unveils next Blackhawks youngster to receive call-up from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs

After last night's damning 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, it appears the Blackhawks may need more firepower in the lineup.

With Burakovsky's absence in the lineup after suffering an injury on Thursday, the Blackhawks need more help.

NHL Insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Blackhawks could be compelled to call up former 70-goal scorer of the Brantford Bulldogs, and current Rockford IceHogs forward, Nick Lardis.

This season in the AHL, Lardis has exceeded expectations with the IceHogs playing at a point-per-game pace with 16 points (7-9) in 16 games.

Lardis was originally a 67th overall pick in the 3rd-round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He was a part of the same draft class as Connor Bedard.

While veteran and Rockford IceHogs Captain Brett Seney might be a safe option for a call-up, the Blackhawks are firing on all cylinders.

Seney is also producing at above a point-per-game pace in the AHL, scoring 19 points (4-15) in 18 games with the IceHogs.

It's only a matter of who Kyle Davidson and the team want to prioritize.

Forward Andre Burakovsky remains out of the lineup with an undisclosed injury, and his role in the lineup will need to be filled in the meantime.

The headshot from Ryan Lindgren, which went without penalty, certainly rings of injustice.

While Burakovsky is out healing, Lardis could be the next prospect to carry the torch for the underdog run this season under Jeff Blashill.

We documented Lardis' thrilling run last season in the OHL as the hidden gem had 50 goals scored by February.