Top Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Completes Surprising Career Decision
Nick Lardis quickly took over not only the OHL but also the prospect world this past season, scoring over 70 goals with the Brantford Bulldogs. Unfortunately, a minor knee injury cut him short, stopping him from dominating most of the playoffs. Nevertheless, he was brought into the scene.
Chicago Blackhawks Assistant Player Development Manager Mark Eaton addressed the media and said that he would prefer Lardis to be playing in their system, whether it's with Chicago or the Rockford Icehogs down in the AHL. Nick said the goal is the same for him. He's already signed with the Blackhawks organization.
However, before that all happens, Nick mentioned that he lost some weight in the rehab process after his knee injury, so he has to gain the lost muscle back first before he does anything else. But both parties are on the same page.
The 19-year-old, Ontario, Canada native had 71 goals and 46 assists for 117 points in 65 regular season games, including 11 goals in seven playoff games before being cut short. For a third-round pick, and with the amount of potential he has, that isn't bad at all.
Lardis, obviously, is a pure sniper. It doesn't matter where or how he gets the puck in the offensive zone; his first thought is to shoot and how he can score. And most of the time, the puck finds the back of the net after it flies off his stick.
Once he hits the Blackhawks lineup, he'll automatically add a new layer of goal scoring. He won't have 71 goals in an NHL season, unless he's
Auston Matthews, but the production should still be there, whether or not he cracks the first line. Lardis is going to be loved by all the playmakers and speedsters who love to find the open lane and get the puck off their stick.
Lardis really moved his way to being a future piece on this team, and all Chicago have to do is just hone his skills and find the right direction for him going forward.
Previously on HawksInsider
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JUILLET 5 | 201 ANSWERS Top Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Completes Surprising Career Decision Do you think the Blackhawks should let top prospect Nick Lardis start the season in the NHL? |
Yes | 145 | 72.1 % |
No | 56 | 27.9 % |
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