Blackhawks acquire a generational player in Nashville: A genius move by Kyle Davidson
Photo credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The Chicago Blackhawks took prospect forward Nick Lardis with the 67th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville, and he's looking like a star in the making.
Young Chicago Blackhawks players like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell (who hasn't played in the NHL yet) are getting the majority of attention from fans, but another player they recently acquired in the NHL Entry Draft is making plenty of noise.
Forward Nick Lardis, who was taken with the 67th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville, is continuing his hot scoring ways in the AHL.
Lardis had a ridiculous year last year with the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL with 117 points (71G, 46A) in 65 games. So far this year with the Rockford IceHogs, he leads all AHL players in scoring with 12 points (4G, 8A) in 8 games.
This is looking like a potential home run of a pick from general manager Kyle Davidson, who has already acquired multiple young talents through the Draft and on the trade market like Spencer Knight.
Nick Lardis Is Showing He's A Dangerous Talent
His scouting profile via Elite Prospects highlights his driving to the net abilities along with anticipation:
No matter where the puck arrives, Lardis finds ways to slam it into the net. He can do so while sliding backward, rushing ahead, with his feet pointed away from the target, and with instant catch-and-release motions. The winger understands how to set up his shots, where to move, how to move, and at what speed to get his stick on a pass and fire it in. He anticipates the flow of the play, keeps the puck in control of his team with short passes, and then pops open.
In 2024, the Blackhawks signed him to a 3 year entry level contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $896,667.
