Chicago Blackhawks rookie Nick Lardis is settling into the NHL pace one month after a sudden promotion from the Rockford IceHogs. The 20-year-old winger was recalled on December 13, 2025, less than 24 hours after star center Connor Bedard suffered a shoulder injury against the St. Louis Blues. The transition was abrupt, with Lardis thrust immediately into the lineup to help fill the offensive void left by the team’s leading scorer.
Performance Analysis
Lardis arrived in Chicago carrying significant momentum from the AHL, where he led all rookies with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 24 games. In his first 14 NHL contests, he has recorded four goals and one assist. His production was initially sporadic, but recent outings suggest an increasing comfort level. Lardis scored a power-play goal in a 7-3 win over the Blues on January 7 and added another goal in a 3-0 victory against the Nashville Predators on January 10. His shooting percentage currently sits at 16.8%, indicating efficient finishing when given opportunities in the middle-six forward group.
Challenges and Critique
Despite the recent offensive contributions, the rookie’s adjustment has not been seamless. Critics point to his defensive metrics as an area of concern; Lardis holds a minus-6 rating through his first month and was a minus-2 in his NHL debut against Detroit. There are ongoing questions regarding his ability to win board battles against larger NHL defensemen, given his 5-foot-11 frame. Furthermore, while his power-play utility is evident, his 5-on-5 play driving numbers have fluctuated, leading to debate over whether his scoring pace is sustainable once opposing teams adjust to his tendencies.
Background and Context
Selected by Chicago in the third round (67th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis built a reputation as an elite goal scorer in junior hockey. He posted a league-leading 71 goals in 65 games with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs during the 2024-25 season, becoming only the eighth CHL skater since 2000 to reach the 70-goal plateau. His recall was necessitated by Bedard’s injury, a significant blow to the Blackhawks’ lineup that required immediate reinforcement from their prospect pool. While the circumstances of his arrival were chaotic, Lardis has begun to carve out a role as the team navigates the second half of the season.
