Nick Lardis was sent down to the Rockford Icehogs of the AHL Monday afternoon. Teuvo Teravainen will take Lardis’ place in the lineup on Tuesday.
On Monday, at around noon, rumors started circulating that Nick Lardis would be sent down to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Later that same day, the rumor was confirmed before the Mom’s trip.
What It Means: Nick Lardis
Lardis, the 20-year-old forward, did well in his 21-game call-up. The former Brantford Bulldog recorded seven points, including five goals, in his stint with the Blackhawks. Originally a call-up after Connor Bedard’s injury, Lardis did well filling his shoes and was able to get a solid taste of the NHL’s pace of play.
Before the call-up, Nick Lardis lit up the American League, even being voted an All-Star. With the demotion, Lardis can use what he learned and apply it to grow more as a player. Expect the sniper to rejoin the team after the trade deadline, when veterans who filled his spot will likely be moved.
What It Means: Chicago Blackhawks
Finally, the team is getting healthy again. Though Nick Lardis impressed during his stint, the truth of the matter is it’s time to let him thrive, and let potential trade chips shine. The main catalyst for the demotion is Teuvo Teravainen’s return to the lineup. Teravainen is just one of many vets that could be moved at the aforementioned trade deadline. Now with a mostly healthy lineup, Chicago will be embarking on the yearly mom’s trip with a lineup that more closely resembling the product on the ice to start the year.
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The Cowboy Round-Up and What’s On Tap Next?
No one expects this move to be the end of Lardis’ NHL tenure this season. Between the Olympics and the trade deadline, we could see Lardis back in a Chicago Blackhawks sweater as soon as the March 8 game at the American Airlines Center versus the Dallas Stars. Even in his short stint, Lardis had some memorable moments, including a shootout winner vs Dallas after Christmas. It’s important to note that Jeff Blashill praised Lardis before the demotion. As for Chicago, this could be the last stretch of games in which some familiar faces don the red sweater. This move is just one of many changes that will likely be taking place.
What’s On Tap next for Chicago is a central division foe in the form of the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, January 27 at 7 p.m. CT.