It's not often that a player drafted in the third round of the NHL Draft becomes a star player. In the 2023 draft class, the Blackhawks came away with two studs right off the hop with Connor Bedard and Oliver Moore, but it's a player taken later in the draft that might end up being the biggest steal when it comes to talent and value at the 67th overall draft slot: Nick Lardis.

Mario Tirabassi is keeping tabs on the amateur ranks in North America. He will make a deep dive into the NCAA ranks and the Canadian junior leagues. Greg Boysen is focused on the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League (AHL) and all the players playing professionally across Europe.

Mario: Ludwinski cut f...