Blackhawks Prospect News: Paul Ludwinski, Nick Lardis Join IceHogs

With many college and junior hockey seasons coming to a close, NHL prospects are getting a taste of professional hockey to close out the 2023-24 campaign. On Wednesday, the Rockford IceHogs announced a pair of additions to their roster for the stretch run. 

Per the team, Chicago Blackhawks prospects Nick Lardis and Paul Ludwinski have joined the club. Lardis is joining the team on an Amateur Tryout (ATO) and Ludwinski was loaned to the IceHogs by Chicago. These are important distinctions for the two players. 

Lardis was recently in the Blackhawks news cycle after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the organization. Due to Lardis' age (18) he will have to return to the juniors next season if he does not make the NHL roster. However, with his OHL season coming to a close, he can join the IceHogs on an ATO and get valuable experience in the final games of the season. 

As for Ludwinski, the forward signed his entry-level deal with the Blackhawks last season and spent some time with the IceHogs at the end of last year. However, Ludwinski did not suit up for a game in his time with Rockford. 

With Lardis on ATO, Ludwinski was loaned to the IceHogs. Since the OHL product will turn 20 years old this month, he can play in the AHL full time next season. There is a high likelihood that Ludwinski appears in some of the final games with the IceHogs. For Lardis, this is more likely a taste of the AHL grind before he likely returns to the OHL for the 2024-25 season. 

The IceHogs have six games remaining in the 2023-24 season. However, the IceHogs have already clinched a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, meaning additional hockey will be had. Rockford's next game is Friday, April 12 as they play visitor to the Grand Rapid Griffins.