Even though the Blackhawks are trying to improve at the NHL level, there’s no question that their strength still lies in their prospect pool. Chicago built its team the past few years from the ground up using a war chest of first-round picks. Those high-caliber prospects aren’t quite ready for the NHL yet, but they’re lighting up the junior ranks as they head that direction.
On Monday, the United States and Canada announced that two Blackhawks prospects had made their preliminary rosters, but one had been inexplicably snubbed. Oliver Moore and AJ Spellacy were both invited to be on USA Hockey’s roster, but Nick Lardis was somehow left off of Hockey Canada’s list.
It’s great news for Chicago’s pipeline that the team has two representatives on a preliminary roster of 28 players. This doesn’t mean they have final roster spots, but it’s certainly a good sign.
At 19 years old, Moore was pretty much a no-brainer for USA Hockey. He was a valuable member of last year’s group, moving around between lines and picking up three points in seven games with a plus-minus of +4. After putting up 33 points in 39 games at the University of Minnesota last year, the speedster has 12 in 16 games this season. He’ll eventually be one of the fastest skaters in the NHL, but for now, that ability will help him make plays every night for his country.
It’s perhaps even bigger news that Spellacy made the list – it proves that it’s not only the Blackhawks who like him. The 18-year-old physical skater was the most notable player at the team’s training camp this fall, sticking around much longer than anyone had expected. He’s doing well in the OHL – despite his profile as more of a two-way talent, he’s picked up 16 points in 24 games.
However, it’s a huge disappointment that Nick Lardis didn’t make the list. He’s an elite scorer and has done just that to start his OHL season. With 24 goals in as many games, Lardis ranks second in the entire league in scoring. He’s lethal from anywhere inside the attacking zone, and it’s a shame he didn’t get an invite. Hopefully, he’ll be able to prove why that’s the wrong call.
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will begin for USA Hockey on Dec. 21 with two pre-tournament matches. The gold medal game will be played on Jan. 5.
