Chicago Blackhawks complete move with 2nd overall pick Artyom Levshunov
The 2nd overall pick had been injured since September 11th, 2024 after recovering from a foot fracture after blocking a shot.
The defenseman has been out for over a month while recovering, and Luke Richardson was asked about Levshunov this morning.
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson wasn't sure if Levshunov would play some NHL games or go straight to Rockford, their American Hockey League affiliate.
«Today was the first morning skate, so hopefully he'll get in a few practices this week and management will make that call, the best spot for him to start because he really missed even rookie camp and training camp,» Richardson said. «He's kind of behind on that part of it.»
Levshunov was going to be sent down to the AHL from the get-go this season due to the fact that Kyle Davidson stacked the roster with veteran players, while players like Levshunov, and Kevin Korchinski play in the AHL.
Get top minutes and build upon their already good skills, in hopes of building their game the Blackhawks think they could have.
For Levshunov he could end up being a top-pairing, two-way defenseman and with the Rockford IceHogs, they have many great defensemen who have excelled after somet ime in the AHL.
Namely Alex Vlasic.
Central Scouting lauds Levshunov and describes him as, «A smooth-skating defenseman with high-end puck skills. He uses his size, strength and reach to effectively defend in the defensive zone.»
Artyom Levshunov is under contract with the Blackhawks for the next three years, as his AAV is $975K.
He'll be a UFA in 2033, and in the meantime, the Blackhawks will control his rights until then.
POLL |
Do you think that Artyom Levshunov will be the future #1 defenseman in the Chicago Blackhawks system? |
Yes | 56 | 70 % |
No | 24 | 30 % |
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Previously on HawksInsider