September 23, 2026 • 12:02 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
The Chicago Blackhawks have built their future around first-round picks, but sometimes, the true difference-makers are found a bit further down the draft board. Nick Lardis is shaping up as that rare third-round gem. Chicago took him 67th overall in 2023 figuring he’d need time to develop, but Lardis is proving he’s got the skills and smarts to climb fast—raising eyebrows around the NHL and giving Blackhawks fans real hope beyond the usual top draft hype.
If you’re betting on the Blackhawks’ long-term rise, you have to factor in players like Lardis, not just the blue-chip names. Why? Because it takes more than a superstar like Connor Bedard to turn a rebuild into a contender. Depth scorers on rookie contracts are gold for teams that want to stay competitive and flexible. Lardis is slotting right into that mold—but what’s especially exciting is just how quickly he’s jumping each level.
Let’s get specific: after torching the OHL with 71 goals in 65 games for Brantford, Lardis moved up to the AHL and immediately looked at home, firing 18 goals in 35 games for Rockford. That’s tough to do for anybody, let alone a 21-year-old adjusting to older, stronger, smarter defenders. When injuries opened a door with the Blackhawks, he made sure they couldn’t shut it. Scoring 10 goals in 41 NHL games—good for a 20-goal pace from a rookie with limited minutes—he’s setting new expectations in a hurry.
According to Yahoo Sports, Lardis’s approach to the hype is refreshingly grounded. He’s not chasing stat lines—he’s chasing improvement, one week at a time. After being called up to fill in for an injured Bedard, he bounced back between leagues but has since carved out a permanent NHL role. If last season was any indication, Lardis is still on the upswing.
The coach’s confidence is clear, too. After a preseason goal that showed off his improved speed and persistence—bursting out of the penalty box, stripping a defender, powering through a trip, then burying the finish—head coach Jeff Blashill said, “I definitely see a lot more confidence in Nick Lardis. He’s skating better with and without the puck; he has good speed, and he can move and create some separation. He just seems a little bit stronger, a little bit more confident; he’s put himself in positions to score.” That’s the kind of feedback you want as a bettor looking at breakout potential.
- Lardis put up 71 goals in 65 OHL games before quickly acclimating to the AHL (18 in 35).
- He went toe-to-toe with top NHL competition when called up, hitting a 20-goal pace over 41 games.
- His coach and teammates have seen a visible boost in speed, strength, and confidence—keys that often translate quickly to higher production.
- He’s still just 21 years old, so the room for growth and skill development is huge.
- Even preseason action is highlighting how much his physical game has advanced.
What’s it mean for your bankroll? Lardis is the kind of young sniper you want to spot early. If he keeps refining his game, he’ll start smashing over/under props and claim a bigger share of Chicago’s scoring pie. If you see prospects hovering around the 20-goal mark as a rookie, the odds market tends to catch up fast.
Why Lardis Matters for Blackhawks Bettors
Let’s not pretend every third-rounder is a guaranteed win, but few move this fast at every level. With Chicago looking to develop more homegrown firepower, Lardis has positioned himself as a near lock for an NHL roster spot and bigger minutes going forward.
Even if he starts the next season on the third line or with secondary powerplay time, all signs point to more opportunity. Lardis’s commitment to the process—”I try to go game by game, week by week, summer by summer,” he said—means he won’t get ahead of himself, but the Blackhawks certainly are. The coaches are already granting him more trust; each month that passes, he’s proving he’s not just a depth piece. He’s a scoring threat in the making.
2024-25 Preseason Action: Confidence On Display
Scoring in the preseason might not count in the official stats, but evaluators and oddsmakers watch closely. Lardis’s breakaway goal against Minnesota wasn’t just a highlight—it showed the leap he’s made in speed and situational awareness. Even when tripped, he finished the play, showing off his work on strength and balance.
Key Takeaways for Bettors
- Lardis is ahead of schedule. He went from OHL standout to NHL contributor in less than two years.
- His goal-scoring touch has translated at every level so far—look for him to keep rising up the Blackhawks lineup.
- Physical improvements (speed, strength) are showing on the ice and in coach feedback—these usually precede bigger numbers.
- He’s scored at a 20-goal rate as a rookie. If he stays healthy and gets more minutes, 25 or more is within reach.
- Tenacity and maturity in his interviews suggest he won’t hit a sophomore slump.
- Betting overs on Lardis point props early in the year could be profitable if sportsbooks don’t move the lines fast enough.
- He’s a vital piece in Chicago’s rebuild, so expect him to stick around in a top-nine role or better.
- If the Blackhawks make any push beyond rebuilding, Lardis’s ascent might be a central reason why.
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