Chicago Blackhawks complete major signing that changes it all
The Chicago Blackhawks have made the monumental decision to lock down their 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The team announced that they had signed Artyom Levshunov to an entry-level contract, the deal announced will run to the 2026-2027 NHL season.
Artyom Levshunov has signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.
He'll compete for an NHL job in camp but he's likely headed to Rockford next season.
The contract will have an AAV of $975K and the Michigan State University defenseman, will not return to the NCAA, but opt to go pro next season.
As it's been stated by the Blackhawks AGM of Player Development Mark Eaton, Levshunov will head to the AHL and will not end up making the team out of training camp.
They want to oversee his development in the AHL and not rush what could be the team's #1 defenseman in the future.
"Signing Artyom gives us the opportunity to continue his development in-house and take the next step into professional hockey,» said General Manager Kyle Davidson. «He's a strong two-way defenseman that has all the tools to be a high-end player in the NHL, and we're excited to continue his growth at the pro level."
Levshunov played 38 games in the NCAA last season, posting 35 points( 9 G, 26 A) and in 2022-2023 posted 42 points( 13 G, 29 A) in 62 games in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers.
Levshunov makde history as the highest-drafted Belarussian player in the NHL being selected 2nd OA by the Blackhawks organization.
Source: SI.com
Blackhawks Sign Top Draft Pick to ELC
POLL |
Do you think Artyom Levshunov is the team's future #1 defenseman? |
Yes | 107 | 84.3 % |
No | 20 | 15.7 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Ryan Hall Bad news delivered to ex-Chicago Blackhawk Patrick Kane |
|
2 hours ago | By Sam Walker Preview: Blackhawks reveal new streaming platform to fans as they take on Nashville Predators Thursday |
|
14 hours ago | By Sam Walker Elliotte Friedman drops bombshell report and reveals a trade and what's next for the Blackhawks |
|
14 hours ago | By Sam Walker Brad Marchand responds to head coach Jim Montgomery after viral physical altercation |
|
14 hours ago | By Sam Walker Red Wings' Alex DeBrincat makes the New Jersey Devils pay after brutal turnover |
|
16 hours ago | By Sam Walker Rangers place 34-year old veteran on waivers and it's an opportunity for the Chicago Blackhawks |
|
16 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Will Connor Bedard Make The 4 Nation's Faceoff roster? |
|
17 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Luke Richardson Provides an update on goalie Laurent Brossoit |
Previously on HawksInsider