Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Report: Checking in on some of the surging prospects

The Chicago Blackhawks have been showing better on-ice results as of late with more and more of their young prospects coming up from Rockford (AHL) and being injected into the lineup.

Players like Frank Nazar have continued to prove themselves more than ready to become full-time NHL players and this has resulted in a much better product than was seen earlier in the season. Being able to see a glimpse of the team's future begin to take shape makes the idea of more prospects ready to join the Blackhawks even more exciting.

Lately, certain Blackhawks' prospects have been excelling in their roles and further making a name for themselves within the ever-growing pipeline in Chicago.

These are three young players who have had a strong stretch of recent play within the Chicago Blackhawks' system...

John Mustard has begun his college career with a solid freshman campaign, and it's looking as though his scoring touch is beginning to heat up.

The freshman forward was drafted this past summer by the Blackhawks in the third round, 67th overall. A near point-per-game season with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL drew attention from NHL scouts toward Mustard as a speedy forward who could find scoring areas.

His start with Providence College (NCAA) saw Mustard adjusting to the speed and the competition of college hockey. His speed and high motor make a difference when he is on the ice, resulting in Mustard having nine points in his last 10 games.

Currently, Mustard is sitting at 15 points in 24 games and his recent stretch is hopefully a sign of things to come for the young forward. He is a player who is always moving and trying to make something happen with the puck on or off his stick.

Drew Commesso has had highs and lows since turning pro for the Rockford IceHogs and lately seems to have found his confidence while in net.

Seen by many as the potential goaltender of the future for the Blackhawks, Commesso had some inconsistent play early in the year for the IceHogs before receiving an NHL call-up.

Appearing in two games for the Blackhawks, Commesso's only start came against the New Jersey Devils. The young netminder was fantastic in his debut performance despite the team falling apart and surrendering the lead during the third period.

Since then, the progression seems to be moving in the right direction once again for Commesso as he has put together a strong stretch in the AHL.

In his last ten games with the IceHogs, Commesso has averaged just over two goals against per game along with a .913 save percentage.

His recent play is even more impressive when considered the amount of change the IceHogs have gone through with players being called up to the Blackhawks and the roster being shaken up. Continuous movement like that can result in some shaky team play, but Commesso has been standing tall for the team in his crease.

This season, Nick Lardis has been playing like a man on a mission and does not show any signs of slowing down from the pace he is on.

Selected in the third round, 67th overall, by the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis was seen as a potential steal due to his speed and natural goal-scoring ability.

Lardis' 2023-24 season was cut short due to injury, though he did give fans a glimpse of what he is capable of during the games in which he was healthy.

However, Lardis has taken a step forward this season and truly established himself as one of the most lethal scorers in junior hockey.

Currently, Nick Lardis is leading the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in goals with 41 in just 44 games played. His recent play has him with 14 points in his last 10 games and a total of 72 points on the season.

With the way he is playing right now, Nick Lardis is looking like the Blackhawks' biggest draft steal of the past few years. Though, his development as a professional will truly tell the kind of player he is at the next level.

Lardis' speed and shot are undeniable, his skating brings an element to his game that allows him to put himself in those dangerous scoring areas and he's been able to capitalize at just about every level he's played.