Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis turns heads with OHL history

Saturday night, Nick Lardis hit a milestone in the OHL that hasn't been achieved since 2006. He scored his 70th goal in a single season. The last to do it was John Tavares.

Lardis has always been a goal scoring machine. He had 29 goals last year, which doesn't even amount to what he has this year, but was still good for an 18 year old.

Kyle Davidson found a diamond in the rough as he was a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Nick impressed at the world stage, scoring four goals in seven games on Canada's U18 team.

Lardis also played one game with the Rockford Icehogs last season, so he's got a somewhat taste at some professional hockey. He didn't tally a point. But, that was before he exploded.

Nick is under contract with the Blackhawks and Chicago would be stupid not to give him a look next year in the AHL. He may not be NHL ready yet. Pre-season will make the story clearer.

If he is ready for the NHL, put him on a line below Bedard. His goal scoring abilities and speed will make that line whole and would complement Bedard's line really well for the shift after. Having two lethal shots on two different lines would be deadly. Split up the goal scoring power.

Or, if Lardis and Bedard just click on a line together, obviously, keep it.

Lardis is just one of Chicago's shining stars down in the prospect pool. Help is on the way, and it's coming soon; patience is the key.