In the ever-evolving landscape of the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuild, several young players are making their mark, each with their own unique trajectory. Here's a look at how Landon Slaggert, Oliver Moore, Nick Lardis, and Louis Crevier are progressing.
Landon Slaggert: The Versatile Fill-In
Landon Slaggert has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile player who can slot in wherever needed in the Blackhawks' lineup. Head coach Jeff Blashill has praised Slaggert's skating and tenacity, qualities that have earned him opportunities higher up in the lineup. He has recently become the "fill-in" guy for the Blackhawks, drawing in up and down the lineup as needed. When Connor Bedard was out with the flu and Bertuzzi was moved to the first line, Slaggert played alongside Dickinson and Mikheyev. Slaggert's current two-year contract extension underscores the team's belief in his potential. In 16 games with the Blackhawks during the 2023-24 season, Slaggert tallied one goal and four points. During the past season, Slaggert had two goals, six points, 23 PIM and 25 hits across 33 appearances with the Blackhawks.
Oliver Moore: Finding His Center
Oliver Moore, initially viewed as a winger, has found a home at center. Blashill noted that playing center is more natural for Moore, who played the position at the University of Minnesota. Since the shift to center, Moore has been winning faceoffs at a 48.8% clip. On January 15, in a game against the Flames, Moore was crushed by Kevin Bahl, leading Ryan Donato to defend him. Despite plenty of injuries affecting the forward corps, Blashill has found ways to let his players build chemistry with specific teammates. Nick Lardis has spent 80% of his time with Oliver Moore.
Nick Lardis: The Unexpected Offensive Threat
Nick Lardis, a 2023 third-round pick, has exceeded expectations and emerged as a promising offensive player. Lardis opened his rookie season with the IceHogs and got off to a ravishing start, with 26 points (13G, 13A) in his first 24 professional games. Lardis's hot start was rewarded with his first NHL call-up in mid-December, and he’s remained with the Blackhawks ever since. He made his NHL debut on Dec. 13 and has four goals and one assist in 16 NHL games. He was named to the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic. In 24 games with the IceHogs, Lardis has 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points. In 15 games with Chicago, Lardis has four goals and one assist for five points. Lardis makes the Blackhawks' playmakers dangerous, keeping him a concern for the opposition whenever he is on the ice.
Louis Crevier: A Towering Presence on Defense
Louis Crevier, a towering 6-foot-8 defenseman, has become a capable blueliner for the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have placed defenseman Louis Crevier on the injured reserve due to a concussion. Crevier exited early in the first period and did not return after being boarded by Panthers left winger Jonah Gadjovich. Crevier signed a two-year contract worth $900,000 per year. Crevier has four goals, 14 points, 62 shots on net, 36 blocked shots and 63 hits in 42 appearances this season. Crevier split playing time the last two seasons between the AHL's Rockford IceHogs and the Hawks, remaining on the big club from March 3 until the end of the season. He scored three goals, his first in the NHL, and added an assist. Recently, Crevier was sidelined with an illness, during which he lost a shocking 8 lbs in the span of just 48 hours.
