CHICAGO – The Chicago Blackhawks have called up forward Nick Lardis from the minors just after Connor Bedard sustained an injury in the closing seconds of a recent game against St. Louis.
Lardis, 20, is poised to make his NHL debut as early as Saturday against Detroit. He has shown impressive stats, scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists in 24 games with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.
Coach Jeff Blashill praised Lardis, noting, “He’s scored a lot over his young career, even back in junior hockey. It’s a good start for him in the AHL. With Connor out, adding another offensive player is key.” Bedard has been a standout this season, leading the team with 19 goals and 25 assists over 31 games.
Bedard’s injury happened during a narrow 3-2 loss to the Blues. With only 0.8 seconds left, he tried to win a face-off but was knocked down by Brayden Schenn. He was seen clutching his right shoulder as he left the ice with a trainer.
A serious injury to Bedard could significantly impact the Blackhawks. It may also affect his chances of making the Canadian roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Blashill was cautious with updates on Bedard’s condition, saying, “We’ll know more in the next few days. I want to provide accurate information, so I’m not going to speculate.”
Lardis was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Last season, he made a mark in the OHL, scoring 71 goals and assisting on 46 in 65 games for Brantford.
The excitement around Lardis’s debut reflects the interest in young talent within the NHL. As fans increasingly follow prospects, platforms like social media play a significant role in building hype. Trending hashtags often show fans rallying around new players, demonstrating the growing engagement in league developments.
Recent statistics reveal that NHL rookie scoring has seen a sharp increase, with many young players stepping up to fill crucial roles. This trend not only fuels the league’s competitiveness but also highlights the importance of developing fresh talent like Lardis.
For more insights on player stats and updates, check the [NHL’s official site](https://www.nhl.com) for the latest news and analyses.
