<i>Former Brantford Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis makes his NHL debut on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Credit: Brandon Taylor/OHL Images</i> [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/239b0d76-cbc1-4729-a3ce-de26b871b5ee.jpeg] <i>Former Brantford Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis makes his NHL debut on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Credit: Brandon Taylor/OHL Images</i> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last year, the OHL saw something that hadn’t been done in nearly 20 years. Brantford Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis was a man on a mission during the 2024-25 season, scoring 71 goals in 65 games. He became the first OHL player to score 70 goals in a season since John Tavares [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/chicago-prospect-nick-lardis-first-ohl-player-to-score-70-goals-in-a-season-since-john-tavares] in 2006-07. Of course, he took home the goal-scoring title last season in the OHL, which was a perfect send-off for his OHL career. Lardis, drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks] 67th overall in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft, has been playing in the AHL for the Rockford IceHogs, and he hasn’t been just one of their best rookies; he’s been one of their best players, period. Chicago’s Connor Bedard had a freak accident [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/jeff-blashill-provides-tough-update-on-connor-bedard-s-injury-status] in their game against St. Louis on Friday, injuring his shoulder. It’s a massive blow for the Blackhawks, and potentially Team Canada, but it was an opportunity for the former 70-goal scorer to earn his shot in the big league. Ahead of the Blackhawks’ game on Saturday night, the organization called up Lardis [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-call-up-soaring-prospect-from-ahl] from the minors. Lardis is second in rookie scoring in the AHL, trailing Bakersfield Condors rookie Quinn Hutson with 26 (13 goals, 13 assists). He’s second on Rockford in points as well, trailing the long-serving vet Brett Seney. Lardis made his NHL debut against the Detroit Red Wings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings], playing on a line with fellow rookies Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene. He was -2, but he had his fair share of ice time, playing 15:32, recording two shots on goal, five hits, and one blocked shot. Additionally, he attempted a team-high eight shot attempts. The former OHL all-star looked very confident in his NHL debut. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. Latest OHL News: Placeholder Or Power Move? Cole Beaudoin Centering Canada's 2026 WJC Top Line; Could It Work? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/758aace2-9cce-4b1f-9a57-e053d4e87374.jpeg] Placeholder Or Power Move? Cole Beaudoin Centering Canada's 2026 WJC Top Line; Could It Work? Cole Beaudoin centered Canada's top line on Day 1 of practice. Is this a line that could work or a placeholder for Michael Misa? [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/placeholder-or-power-move-cole-beaudoin-centering-canada-s-2026-wjc-top-line-could-it-work] OHL Top Goal Scorer Marek Vanacker Added To Canada's World Juniors Roster [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7f6f93ed-0e19-42f4-8de3-d69baf41fc2e.jpeg] OHL Top Goal Scorer Marek Vanacker Added To Canada's World Juniors Roster After being left off Canada's initial roster, Brantford Bulldogs forward Marek Vanacker has been added to their 2026 World Juniors training camp roster. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/ohl-top-goal-scorer-marek-vanacker-added-to-canada-s-world-juniors-roster] Oshawa Generals Overager Luke Posthumus Commits To NCAA St. Lawrence University [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/67a0de69-6bb5-4305-96ba-085648ec6868.jpeg] Oshawa Generals Overager Luke Posthumus Commits To NCAA St. Lawrence University 2005-born forward Luke Posthumus announces his NCAA commitment to St. Lawrence University. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/oshawa-generals-overager-luke-posthumus-commits-to-ncaa-st-lawrence-university]
