Nick Lardis, who entered pro hockey this year, has the pedigree. After scoring 71 goals for the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL last season, there were considerable expectations surrounding his eventual professional prospects.
Only 13 players in the long history of the OHL have scored more than 70 goals, and only two of them – Radice and John Tavares – have held that record in the past 35 years.
Everyone knows Radice can score. What they don’t know is whether his offensive game will translate into his first year of pro hockey. The transition from youth to the AHL can be a challenge even for the best players.
Clearly not for Radice. The Rockford IceHogs forward was named the Upper Deck AHL Rookie of the Month for October. The 20-year-old forward scored 4 goals and 8 assists for 12 points in just 8 games in the first month of the season.
The 2023 third-round pick added another goal on Nov. 1 to move to 13 points in 10 games this season. He currently ranks fourth among all players in the AHL, just one point off the league lead. Radice, meanwhile, has had 25 shots on net, with 20 percent of those attempts going in the net. One has to think that generating more shots will lead to more goals.
2025 Rockford IceHogs vs Milwaukee Admirals
The IceHogs finished second in the tough Central Division and had some impressive games to start the season. While Radice isn’t the first forward drafted this year — first-round pick Oliver Moore is — his time in the AHL has proven valuable.
I have to admit, I was surprised to see Radice make it to the AHL with such ease. His goalscoring as a teenager was phenomenal, but there were some goals last season that I don’t think will translate to the pros.
What Radice has done so far this season shows how his evolving offensive awareness continues to refine to take advantage of what the defense gives him. This is usually much easier in youth hockey for less experienced players. In the structure of the AHL, it’s much harder to do that with older players, many of whom have played in the NHL.
Radice does a good job of finding space and putting himself in scoring position. When he gets the puck, he handles it decisively. His goals are very powerful, either with a power shot or falling down and looking for the loose puck. Radice has high expectations and reads well.
It’s hard to be a lethal offensive player in the AHL at 20 years old. Radice showed early on the player he was going to be. If this continues, he will be on the Chicago Blackhawks roster sooner than I think.
Before getting the call, Rockford had a must-see player on its roster.
How to watch AHL
AHL broadcast live worldwide on FloHockey. Watch every game from the regular season to the Calder Cup playoffs, plus key events like the AHL All-Star Classic and AHL Outdoor Classic. Subscribe to FloHockey now so you never miss a moment. All games can be watched on FloHockey.tv or through the FloSports mobile and connected TV app.
NHL FloHockey Prospect Report
The best, most complete coverage of NHL minor league hockey and the NHL Draft can be found on FloHockey. Don’t miss the latest prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Hockey matches get more intense on Flo
every game. Every goal. Every blow. All season long. FloHockey lets you watch the best hockey games anytime, anywhere, including leagues like the AHL, ECHL, OHL and QMJHL. Follow your team, follow your top prospects and stay on top of everything going on. Subscribe now to the annual plan and get 7 months free.
Watch AHL, ECHL, QMJHL, OHL and more on FloHockey
FloHockey is the streaming home for some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule for more hockey games.
Join the hockey conversation on FloHockey Social
