The 2023 Chicago draft pick has rebounded from an upper-body injury with the Brantford Bulldogs.
The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with Brantford Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis on a three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. ($896,667 salary cap hit).
The 5-foot-11, 171-pound Lardis was selected by the Blackhawks in the third round, 67th overall, of the 2023 NHL draft.
Lardis, 18, appeared in 37 regular-season games with the Ontario Hockey League team, posting 29 goals and 50 points. The native of Oakville, Ontario suffered an upper-body injury on Jan. 12 and was sidelined until March 29 when Brantford opened the playoffs against the Ottawa 67's.
Lardis scored two goals and added an assist in his first game back.
Before he was hurt, Lardis was the Bulldogs' leading goal scorer and on a three-game point streak with three goals and five assists.
Lardis has skated in 169 career OHL regular-season games split between the Peterborough Petes (2021-23) and Bulldogs (2023-24), totaling 152 points.
In 2022-23, Lardis posted career highs in games played (69), goals (37), assists (28) and points (65). He led all Bulldogs skaters with five goals and 10 points in the playoffs.