With the 67th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected forward Nick Lardis.
Nick Lardis Intel
5-11, 168
Shoots: Left
DOB: July 8, 2005
Ranked #94 by Corey Pronman (The Athletic)
Ranked #38 by Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
Ranked #36 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #33 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #50 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #78 by FLOHOCKEY/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #34 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #50 by THE HOCKEY NEWS
Ranked #50 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
Ranked #32 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #65 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #27 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #27 by SPORTSNET
Ranked #44 by HPR/SHANE MALLOY
Ranked #46 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #41 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #38 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #48 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Lardis’ skating and skill are both assets for the pro game and he has some scoring touch. He will be able to transition pucks up ice at higher levels. His shot is his best weapon as he’s a threat to score from the dots. He can make some plays but I wouldn’t call him overly cerebral. Lardis is an undersized winger, though, with average compete and I’m not sure he’s so talented enough to overcome those issues, but has a chance because of his goal-scoring touch.
One of the hottest players in the CHL after a trade from Peterborough to Hamilton saw him scored 30 goals and 56 points in just 39 games, Lardis is one of the better skaters in the draft and the led on-ice testing at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. He’s fast in straight lines and smooth weaving up ice through his carries. But he’s also got a dangerous curl-and-drag wrister, a one-timer that he trusts, good touch on the puck a♛nd on the power play, an innate ability to be opportunistic around the net, and, because of his speed, a knack for winning races and getting to loose pucks. He is a little light on his feet, and he’s not as engaged physically in battles as you’d hope a player with his speed would be, but his summer birthday gives him the benefit of a little more time to add strength to his natural athleticism. If I were an NHL team, I’d be eager to work with him to build around the quickness and top-flight speed and turn him into a middle-six winger.
