RW Nick Lardis - Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL (2023, 67th, CHI)

[CaviarAndRinkFries]

 

[wetcoast]

So that chart show 7 previous players, 2 of which went on to some good success and then 5 guys, some of which no one ever heard from again.

Mind you most of the guys who drifted away were overagers.

Lardis seems like a guy who could make it or he could end up like Nick Robertson so close yet so far away.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

So that chart show 7 previous players, 2 of which went on to some good success and then 5 guys, some of which no one ever heard from again.

--- My mistake ---

 

[wetcoast]

Just 2 went on to some good success?

Some pretty good players with good/great careers among those 7 including several HOFers

The worst of those 7 (Toni Tanti) was a 2 time NHL allstar

The chart I was referencing was the 7 players who scored 50 in less than 50 chart.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

The chart I was referencing was the 7 players who scored 50 in less than 50 chart.


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My mistake thought you were referencing the post above yours as I had looked at that and scrolled down cutting off part of your post

 

[wetcoast]

My mistake thought you were referencing the post above yours as I had looked at that and scrolled down cutting off part of your post

Ya that's what I figured and Tanti scored about 99% of his goals from less than 5 feet out just great eye hand deflections master.

Everyone else on the list I was familiar with (the second list of 12 guys) except for Brian Gualazzi who was responsible for Gretzky switching from #9 to #99 story is here.

Also this website is great for little nuggets of hockey information on players from that time period.

1979 NHL Entry Draft -- Brian Gualazzi

Was wearing No. 9 for Sault Ste. Marie (OMJHL) at time Wayne Gretzky joined the team. Gretzky had always worn No. 9 as a tribute to his idol, Gordie Howe, but Gualazzi, who had waited patiently for Tim Coulis to leave the team before taking the number, refused to give it up to Gretzky. This led Gretzky to eventually switch to the No. 99 for first time in his career. Gualazzi later explained he was partial to the number because he had been born on Nov. 9. ... Played center for most of his first two major-junior seasons.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Ends the game with a goal and four assists. Guy is on an absolute heater right now.

 

[EbonyRaptor]

Ends the game with a goal and four assists. Guy is on an absolute heater right now.

Yep - goal #57 today. Michael Misa got 2 goals today giving his 52 on the season setting up a 2-man race for top goal scorer in 2024/25 in the entire CHL (OHL, QMJHL, and WHL).

 

[LeProspector]

It’ll be interesting to see what he does in the pros. I see more of a bottom-6 player, I think he’ll lack the ability to drive play at the pro level, but his speed will allow him to see success in the bottom-6

 

[Hattrick Kane]

It’ll be interesting to see what he does in the pros. I see more of a bottom-6 player, I think he’ll lack the ability to drive play at the pro level, but his speed will allow him to see success in the bottom-6

Idk. One thing you just can’t teach players is how to score. It just seems like he has that ability, and that will carry players a long way. We’ll have to wait and see if it translates obviously.

 

[HawksDub89]

It’ll be interesting to see what he does in the pros. I see more of a bottom-6 player, I think he’ll lack the ability to drive play at the pro level, but his speed will allow him to see success in the bottom-6

He’s not a bottom 6 guy to me.

I think he’s a top 6 guy (maybe your 6th forward) or he just doesn’t pan out.

I don’t think he plays a bottom 6 type of game.

Sometimes successful rebuilds require some luck, Lardis is a lottery ticket for the Hawks. If he hits as a legit top 6 forward that could be huge.

 

[Bounces R Way]

Always stands out positively in the games I've seen. Plays with a lot of swagger, like he believes he's going to score on every shot. Definitely one of those you have to see what they are at the pro level before getting too excited types for me though.

Dunno if he's eligible or signed a contract or whatever but I'd get him dedicated top 6 time in the AHL next season. This is a player you want to challenge right away I think.

 

[Mrfenn92]

Hat trick up to 60 goals

 

[Bone Density]

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Well on his way to 70 goals

 

[Mrfenn92]

Always stands out positively in the games I've seen. Plays with a lot of swagger, like he believes he's going to score on every shot. Definitely one of those you have to see what they are at the pro level before getting too excited types for me though.

Dunno if he's eligible or signed a contract or whatever but I'd get him dedicated top 6 time in the AHL next season. This is a player you want to challenge right away I think.

Already signed. Will be in the Ahl next season with the icehogs.

 

[EbonyRaptor]

Already signed. Will be in the Ahl next season with the icehogs.

Admittedly I have a tendency to get ahead of myself, but that said, i wouldn't rule out him breaking camp with the Hawks for at least a handful of games. The most glaring need the Hawks have is a legit sniper to play with Bedard and Lardis is a legit sniper who plays fast on his feet - both on his skates and in his head.

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Admittedly I have a tendency to get ahead of myself, but that said, i wouldn't rule out him breaking camp with the Hawks for at least a handful of games. The most glaring need the Hawks have is a legit sniper to play with Bedard and Lardis is a legit sniper who plays fast on his feet - both on his skates and in his head.

Debrincat made it even early scoring like that, so it’s possible depending on how the offseason goes for the Hawks.