What's next for Nick Lardis after being sent to the Rockford IceHogs

The Chicago Blackhawks got a boost to their lineup after officially activating Connor Bedard off the injured non-roster, and he made his return against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 13.

But with the Blackhawks activating Bedard, they sent forward Nick Lardis down to the Rockford IceHogs.

Why Lardis was sent to Rockford

Lardis hasn't had the start to the season he likely envisioned, with two points and was a minus-6 in six games. He had some defensive lapses and no goals. He didn't get into a solid rhythm.

He spent the last six games up and down in the lineup, and when Frank Nazar got suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head. Lardis got his opportunity on the top line with Patrick Kane and Ryan Greene against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Even though the Blackhawks had a bad 5-2 loss, Lardis did have some scoring chances in the game, and it looked like maybe that was something.

But Bedard started practicing in full on Oct. 11, signaling he was returning soon. When he started practicing in full, Lardis was the extra forward.

With that, head coach Jeff Blashill hinted that there could be a significant lineup move with Lardis. He said on Oct. 11, "Nick's getting some chances for sure. Like, he's probably like the rest of our team. We need more production out of everybody, and he'd be included in that. So, we'll see. Like, as we move closer, we'll have to make some roster decisions at some point. You know, when Frankie comes back, when Bedsy comes back, and we'll see where that all leads to. But I think the last couple games he skated better than he had previous."

It's a tough turn of events for Lardis, because he had really great moments in the preseason, where he was lauded for his confidence heading into this season.

On one hand, it seems counterproductive to send a goal-scorer down to Rockford when the Blackhawks have been needing help putting the puck in the net. Even though it was a slow start for him, there is reason to believe he could work his way out of it. Especially when the coach pointed out that he had been skating better.

But then, there is the other argument that you don't want a 21 year old to struggle in only his second season, when he could be getting valuable minutes in Rockford.

As Dana Grey, who is a broadcaster for the IceHogs, pointed out on X,Lardis did very well for himself in the AHL last season, and he can continue that run on the power play and the top line.

Lardis had 32 points in 35 games with Rockford last season (18 goals).

Therefore, the hope is that Lardis will have a similar run in Rockford and go from there.

Blashill mentioned earlier that Lardis has a much higher level he can get to, and that Lardis would probably say the same.

The skill and potential is still there.

Development can have its ups and downs, as shown again and again. But Lardis can be another example of a little more AHL time having a positive impact down the line.

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