Dach, Del Mastro, Slaggert & More

Welcome to this preseason edition of Blackhawks Bytes, a series featuring quotes and comments from players, coaches, management, journalists and fans alike concerning everything Chicago Blackhawks. The purpose of this ongoing column is to capture a slice of the existing outlook, attitudes and culture surrounding the team. Please join me as we have some fun with the everyday, albeit fascinating aspect of human nature; the power of words.

We’re knee deep into the Blackhawks’ preseason, with three exhibition games in the books, and three more to go before the season opener against the Utah Hockey Club on Oct. 8. The organization is working out the kinks, determining who will stay and who will go. In that vein, let’s look at some quips and quotes from those who might not be staying this season, but who are likely the future for the Blackhawks. I’ll continue this series as we go along, with more from the new and returning players, all to take a deeper look into this integral preseason for the rebuilding Blackhawks.

Lardis Wants to Score Greasy Goals

Nick Lardis is one of the OHL prospects the Blackhawks decided to keep around a little longer than the rest. They sent Martin Misiak (Erie Otters), Alex Pharand (Sudbury Wolves) and Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs) and defenseman Ty Henry (Erie Otters) down to their respective teams on Sept. 24, but kept Lardis and A.J. Spellacy for the preseason tilts against the Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.

Related – Blackhawks Bytes: Vlasic, Nazar, Levshunov, Del Mastro, Spellacy

Lardis played on a line alongside highly touted prospect Frank Nazar both nights (with Taylor Hall the first night and Lukas Reichel the second night). The 19-year-old struggled against NHL competition the first night, but fared much better the second night, registering two shots on goal and two hits in 18:30 minutes of ice time.

Since being drafted in the third round (67^th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Ontario native has become known for his shooting ability. To make it in the NHL, it seems especially beneficial for him to get to the dirty areas around the net. Said Lardis,  

It’s important for me to learn the habits of getting to the net. Eighty-five percent of the goals are scored right around the crease . . . [so] I want to keep doing that more.

It’s…