Nick Lardis' offseason lessons could lead to success in first pro season

The Chicago Blackhawks' rookie camp will be back on the ice this morning, as they prepare for a pair of games at this weekend’s Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. Yesterday, I focused on the top tier of prospects we’re seeing this week; the guys who will get significant National Hockey League minutes this season, like Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and Oliver Moore.

The next tier of prospects this week includes Ryan Greene, Nick Lardis, Aidan Thompson, and Martin Misiak, who are all entering their first full professional seasons. This week not only gives them a head start on the rest of the training camp roster, but also allows them to open the eyes of the coaching staff early. While the front office is watching from above, it is Jared Nightingale and his Rockford IceHogs staff who are on the ice with them. Making a good first impression will go a long way for them.

Larids Looking to Live Up to the Hype

There is a buzz among Blackhawks fans when it comes to Lardis. And why not? The 2023 third-round pick made the Ontario Hockey League his personal playground last season, scoring 71 goals and 117 points in 65 games with the Brantford Bulldogs.

The Blackhawks have struggled to score goals over the past few seasons, so the thought of adding an elite sniper to the mix has created some excitement. Some feel like he could fill the void left by Alex DeBrincat after he was traded in 2022.

Lardis will likely spend some time in the American Hockey League with the IceHogs, but he’ll get his shot to make the NHL club out of camp.

“It’s a little different,” he said. The past couple of years, you get the sense that you’re going back to juniors. This year, for me, it’s a good opportunity to stay here, whether it’s in Rockford or Chicago. So there is more anticipation and motivation with that.”

Nightingale was impressed with what he saw out of the young forward on day one. He got to know Lardis a little bit when he signed an amateur tryout contract with the IceHogs at the end of the 2023-24 season.

“He’s a super good kid,” Nightingale said. "Obviously, his talent is through the roof. It’s an adjustment when you’re playing against men and bigger D-men. He’s going to be a great project for us. We know it’s a process for younger forwards, but I’ve got a lot of high hopes for Nick.”

Success Started in the Offseason

Lardis approached this offseason differently, ahead of his first professional season. He worked on the things you’d expect him to, like his shooting and skill work. However, he spent some time working out with a slew of NHL players, including Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares, Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Ottawa Senators forward Dylan Cozens.

Getting the chance to skate with such a talented group of pros will only help Lardis. Learning from them on the ice, as well as watching how they conduct themselves off the ice. He said he did a lot of battle drills with the group, and it opened his eyes to what kind of work needs to be put in.

“Juniors is a different game than pro hockey,” he said. “You have to be a lot stronger going against bigger and tougher guys. Doing those skates in the summer, I learned what it takes with the battle drills and the skill that they have.  Working with those guys was really good for my confidence.”

Skill, confidence, and a great work ethic will get you far in the NHL. Lardis is showing that he has all three. He wants to show off his speed and skill this weekend in Minnesota, and Blackhawks fans are waiting with bated breath to watch.