It’s been a difficult 2024-25 regular season for the Chicago Blackhawks, who going into the 4 Nations Face-Off international break are 17-31-7 with 41 points and a minus-42 goal differential in 55 games, last in the Central Division and the second-worst record in the NHL. When seasons like this happen, fans look for long-term positives that could hint at success down the road. In other words: prospects!
There are a few on both the Blackhawks’ NHL roster and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, that are catching the attention of Chicago fans. One of their 2022 first-round picks in Kevin Korchinski is rounding out his game in the AHL, and fellow 2022 first-rounder Frank Nazar is making a name for himself with the big club. Nolan Allan, their 2021 first-round pick, spent last season with Rockford and is now fighting every night to become a regular NHLer with the Blackhawks.
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And yes, Connor Bedard is still a prospect, despite leading the team in points and already showing flashes of an elite NHL center.
But there’s one prospect who is still in junior that’s catching the attention of fans and those who cover the team, and that’s 2023 third-round pick Nick Lardis. Let’s take a look at the 19-year-old winger and his magical season with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Dominating the OHL
As of Feb. 18, Lardis has a league-leading 57 goals, five ahead of Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa and 19 ahead of Windsor Spitfire Liam Greentree. His 57 goals, combined with 39 assists, give him 96 points, which is second in the league behind Misa’s 108. Those 96 points are nine ahead of teammate Patrick Thomas – despite Lardis missing two games.
On Feb. 16, the Bulldogs defeated the Niagara IceDogs 10-1, which saw three players record hat tricks for Brantford – Ladris, fellow Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect Marek Vanacker, and Cole Brown, a New Jersey Devils’ prospect.
What made the win even more impressive was it was Lardis’ fifth hat trick of the season. Some players never record a handful in their career, including junior and the professional ranks. But five in one season? That’s unheard of. The following night was just as impressive, with Lardis…
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