It has been a wild season for Nick Lardis. It’s not all his fault.
The forward from Oakville, Ontario, was called up to the Chicago Blackhawks in December in response to injuries to Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. His first game was Dec. 13 against Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings.
It was a hectic drive from Rockford to Chicago, but the 20-year-old had the chance to bring up the play that made him a force in both the OHL and AHL. Lardis played 21 games in his first NHL stretch, totaling seven points.
He then was sent back to the IceHogs, a somewhat surprising move given the Hawks’ need for a definitive shooter outside of Bedard. Lardis kept his head up, wanting his next Hawks arrival to be permanent.
“Learned a lot there, learned from the players and the coaches too,” Lardis said at the AHL All-Star Classic in February. “So (I’m) trying to use that information and bring it down here again and grow my game even more so when I do get that next opportunity, I’m ready to go.”
That next opportunity arrived March 7, when he was recalled before the Hawks’ road game against the Dallas Stars. Even upon arrival, he wasn’t in a position to succeed.
Lardis spent much of his time on the fourth line, skating with Landon Slaggert, Sam Lafferty and others. The line didn’t produce, and the rookie didn’t get the development reps needed.
Hawks coach Jeff Blashill gave his reasons for Lardis’ line placement, but they differed each time the subject was brought to light. With losses piling up, something needed to change.
Lardis was given a spot on the second line in the Hawks’ 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on March 22. He scored a goal and delivered what Blashill called his best game of the season.
In four games skating with Nazar and Tyler Bertuzzi, Lardis had five points, including a goal and two assists at the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Then on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils, Lardis skated on the top line with Ryan Greene and Connor Bedard.
Blackhawks forward Nick Lardis takes a shot against the Jets on Jan. 19, 2026, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Lardis was handed the keys, and he’s starting to go into full drive.
“It’s a lot easier with the transition when you just know all the guys now coming up the second time here,” Lardis said. “It’s easier to play your game (and) play with that confidence. The opportunity I’m getting right now is great as well. It helps with confidence, and (I) want to continue with that.”
In 33 games with the Hawks this season, Lardis has eight goals and five assists. He put his head down through the promotions, wanting to make the most of his NHL time.
But it begs the question: What took so long to give Lardis a chance?
Blashill assessed the rookie’s play from his first call-up to now and gave Lardis props for his increased confidence.
“I can’t necessarily say that there’s been a call-up-to-call-up big growth,” Blashill said. “It’s been more the process of him having that confidence in putting himself in those spots where he can be successful.
“The last few games, you can see his confidence grow, and with that growth comes the ability to utilize his skill set. He’s a smart player with a good skill set who’s going to put work in the summer with his body.”
Despite his youth and lack of NHL experience, Lardis already is beginning to teach the ropes to the new Hawks arrivals. Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert last week played in their first games with the team.
There’s more where that came from. Marek Vanacker led the OHL in goals (47) with the Brantford Bulldogs — one season after Lardis led the league — Jack Pridham’s right behind him at 46 goals and AJ Spellacy’s speeding around the ice with the Windsor Spitfires.
As more rookies come in, that could put Lardis’ and other players’ spots in the top six in jeopardy. He’s welcoming them with open arms, but Lardis hopes the competition factor helps the Hawks.
“There’s always competitiveness, but that’s what you want, that’s how a team gets better is (when there’s) guys competing with guys to have roles,” Lardis said. “It’s a step in the right direction for organization.”