Nick Lardis Assigned to AHL Rockford IceHogs to Make Room for Bedard

The Chicago Blackhawks assigned forward Nick Lardis to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs on Tuesday. The move clears necessary roster space for the return of star center Connor Bedard from shoulder surgery. Lardis had an outstanding training camp and preseason, but struggled through his first six NHL games. Playing top minutes in Rockford is expected to help the young forward regain his scoring touch, and he remains at the top of the team's recall list for future call-ups.