Nick Lardis – Hamilton Bulldogs – Player Profile

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
5’11”	165	July 8, 2005	RW	L	6th 2021	27 NA	CANADA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2021-2022	OHL	Peterborough Petes	63	18	19	37
2022-2023	OHL	Peterborough Petes	36	12	7	19
2022-2023	OHL	Hamilton Bulldogs	33	25	21	46
2022-2023	WJC U-18	Canada	2	3	0	3

Nick Lardis of the Hamilton Bulldogs has been one of the biggest risers on NHL Central Scouting’s draft lists and rightfully so. Ranked 96^th among North American skaters on their mid term rankings, Lardis appeared at number 27 on their final list. He was the benefactor of a January 7^th trade from the Peterborough Petes to the Bulldogs.

Lardis was the 6^th overall pick at the 2021 OHL Priority Selection by the Petes. He would finish the campaign with 18 goals and 19 assists – not bad for a rookie. He got off to a good start this season but it wasn’t until the trade that he exploded. He more than doubled his production in the second half with Hamilton.

Lardis is now a solid second round pick on most rankings and a strong showing at the World Junior Championships Under-18 where he already has 3 goals in 2 games could potentially see some teams liking him in the very late first round.

The biggest difference after the trade is Lardis turned from complimentary piece to a driver in Hamilton. Because of his size, skating is key to Lardis’ game. At the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game fitness testing, Lardis ranked near the top in several categories: 5^th in 30-meter backwards skate, 5^th in weave agility, first in weave agility with the puck, 5^th in transition ability, 2^nd in transition ability with the puck, 1^st in reaction ability and 4^th in reaction ability with the puck. He finished at the top of the overall list in on-ice testing.

Lardis is one of the better skaters in the draft class, but he also brings a lot of energy with it. He gets on the forecheck quickly, can cause havoc and create turnovers and he can make plays once he gains possession. He’s a north-south player he uses his speed and energy to perfection.

Of course, there are things Lardis needs to work on. He’s going to have to add a lot of bulk and strength onto his frame and he’s going to have to bring the same intensity and energy to the defensive side of the puck.