Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Showcasing His Tremendous Goal-Scoring Prowess
The Chicago Blackhawks have a wealth of promising talent in their system, but none shine brighter at the moment than 2023 third-round draft pick Nick Lardis, who is currently making waves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with his goal-scoring prowess. The young right-winger, drafted 67th overall by the Blackhawks in last year’s NHL Entry Draft, has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in the league, showing off a natural talent for scoring that has put him on the radar as a future weapon for the Blackhawks.
Lardis, who hails from Oakville, Ontario, has been turning heads in the OHL, starting the 2023-2024 season with an impressive run of form. His current production pace has raised expectations for what the future holds for both him and the Blackhawks, a team already buoyed by the presence of rising star Connor Bedard. However, Lardis’ fast start this season provides even more hope for the Blackhawks’ future, suggesting that the team may have another lethal offensive weapon on the horizon.
Lardis’ recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Over the past weekend, he led the Brantford Bulldogs to two huge victories, scoring back-to-back hat tricks in a pair of high-scoring games against the Brampton Steelheads and the Niagara IceDogs. In total, Lardis registered eight points in those two contests, demonstrating the kind of offensive dominance that makes him stand out. With 20 goals in just 19 games so far this season, he is on track to post a remarkable 70-goal campaign—a feat that would catapult him into the upper echelons of OHL goal scorers and increase his stock as a Blackhawks prospect.
Lardis’ first hat trick of the weekend came in the Bulldogs’ 5-3 win over Brampton. His natural hat trick was a thing of beauty, showcasing his lethal shot and ability to capitalize on opportunities. His first goal came from his signature one-timer from the right-side faceoff circle, a shot that has become synonymous with Lardis’ goal-scoring style. As a right-handed shooter, Lardis is particularly dangerous on the power play, where his one-timer from the right circle is almost impossible to stop when he’s given an open lane. His ability to get the puck off quickly and with power makes him a constant threat on the man advantage.
In that game against Brampton, Lardis also netted two power-play goals, both of which came during a five-minute man advantage in the second period. These types of opportunities are where Lardis truly shines, as his quick release and accurate shot give him a deadly edge. He capped off his natural hat trick with an empty-net goal, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs.
Lardis’ second hat trick of the weekend came less than 24 hours later in Brantford’s 6-3 win over the Niagara IceDogs. This time, Lardis’ goals were a perfect mix of skill, intuition, and shooting mechanics. His first goal of the game was a testament to his ability to generate power behind his shot despite not being the biggest or heaviest player on the ice. Lardis’ technique allows him to get excellent torque on his stick, creating a quick release that catches goalies off guard. His shot mechanics are clean and efficient, as he keeps his chest open to the target and uses his lower hand to generate extra power, ensuring that the puck reaches its intended destination with speed and accuracy.
On his second goal of the game, Lardis demonstrated his hockey IQ and instincts. As the play unfolded, he recognized a gap in the defensive coverage and drove toward the slot, where he was able to bury his own rebound after a teammate’s shot. This type of play shows not only Lardis’ offensive awareness but also his ability to react quickly and find scoring chances even in tight situations.
What makes Lardis’ performance even more impressive is the fact that, while four of his six goals over the weekend came on the power play, he has proven to be equally effective at even strength. Before his big weekend, Lardis had already scored 13 even-strength goals on the season, showcasing his ability to score in all situations. Despite being a power-play specialist, Lardis has proven that he is much more than just a player who can capitalize on man-advantage opportunities. He has the all-around game necessary to succeed at the next level, which is exactly what the Blackhawks will need from him if he is to make an impact in the NHL in the future.
Lardis’ incredible goal-scoring ability has made him the focal point of Brantford’s offense. Of the Bulldogs’ 67 goals this season, Lardis has scored 29.8% of them, with his 20 goals leading the team by a wide margin. His closest competition on the team is Jake O’Brien, a top 2025 NHL Draft prospect, who has scored 10 goals on the season. Lardis’ ability to single-handedly drive Brantford’s offense speaks volumes about his skill set and his value to the team.
At just 5-foot-11, Lardis is not the tallest or most physically imposing player on the ice. However, what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with his hockey sense, skating ability, and, of course, his lethal shot. His skating is one of the key components of his game, as he is able to create separation from defenders and get himself into prime shooting areas. Combined with his excellent shot and quick release, Lardis is a constant threat whenever he’s on the ice.
Lardis’ shooting percentage of 19.8% this season is a testament to how efficient he is with his shots. His career shooting percentage in the OHL sits at an impressive 17.2%, which further emphasizes his accuracy and ability to finish plays. With 101 shots on goal this season, Lardis ranks second in the league behind only Owen Van Steensel of North Bay, demonstrating that he is always looking for ways to put the puck on net and generate scoring chances.
Of course, it’s important to remember that Lardis is still a junior player, and some may argue that his goal-scoring feats should be taken with a grain of salt given that he is playing at the OHL level. The question of whether he can carry his success over to the professional ranks remains unanswered for now. However, there is little doubt that his goal-scoring ability, coupled with his strong skating and overall offensive game, will give him a solid foundation for success at the next level. His ability to create separation from defenders and his quick, accurate shot are traits that should translate well to the NHL, where speed and skill are highly valued.
Lardis’ continued development in the OHL this season is something that Blackhawks fans should keep an eye on, as he has the potential to be an impactful player for the organization down the road. With a 70-goal season in sight, Lardis is proving that he has the ability to be a top-tier scorer at the junior level, and that skill could translate to NHL success in the coming years.
As the Blackhawks continue to build their future around Bedard and other young prospects, Lardis’ development in the OHL will be one of the key storylines to follow. If he can maintain his current pace and continue to improve, Lardis could emerge as a key contributor to the Blackhawks’ offense in the not-too-distant future.
For now, Lardis is enjoying a sensational season in the OHL, and his recent performances suggest that he is only scratching the surface of his potential. As one of the most exciting prospects in the Blackhawks’ system, Lardis’ goal-scoring ability is something that fans can look forward to seeing at the NHL level in the years to come.
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