Blackhawks Assign Nick Lardis to Rockford IceHogs

Lardis, 21, opened the season in Chicago and has two assists through six games with the Blackhawks, per the team’s release. He’s no stranger to Rockford, either. The Ontario native was an AHL All-Star with the IceHogs last season, putting up 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists) in 35 games.

The release didn’t give a reason for the move. For context, it comes on the same day Connor Bedard is expected to make his season debut when the Blackhawks host the Penguins at 7 p.m. CT at the United Center. His return would open up a spot in the forward group. The Blackhawks haven’t tied the two together.

Lardis could suit up for Rockford as soon as Friday, when the IceHogs host the Iowa Wild at the BMO Center at 7 p.m. CT. After a 32-point All-Star season in Rockford and 41 NHL games last year, he figures to stay near the top of the call-up list.