Why the Blackhawks felt Artyom Levshunov was the right pick at No. 2 overall originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Presented by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
LAS VEGAS — After intense internal debate, the Chicago Blackhawks have officially made their decision with the second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, selecting two-way defenseman Artyom Levshunov.
The choice was believed to fall to Levshunov and attacking forward Ivan Demidov, and the 18-year-old Belarusian defender outperformed the latter.
It should be noted, though TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Friday night that the Blackhawks made Columbus an offer for the fourth overall pick, but it was declined. Presumably, the Blackhawks would have taken Demidov, which would have landed them both.
However, Levshunov was the Blackhawks’ pick at No. 2 and it was a decision made weeks ago.
“I just think the total package,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said of why Levshunov was the selection. “Offensively, he can attack, he can skate, he is super mobile, he has good size, he is aggressive, he is a physical defender and we think there are more advantages to come.
“The package, as well as the potential growth that was coming, was very intriguing and something we really felt would make us a much better organization.”
The Blackhawks were in love with Levshunov this season and watched him regularly at Michigan State. Their love for him has only grown over time and it’s not hard to see why.
Levshunov put up fantastic numbers as a freshman, with 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games. The year before, he scored 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists) in 62 games for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL.
“You see the way he skates and the size, for a big guy to get around the ice so well, and he’s very puck-friendly and ultra-competitive,” Blackhawks director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey said. “He just continued to follow the steps.
“Everyone thought he would go back to Green Bay, and then he ended up going to Michigan State and was able to elevate his game against players 3, 4 and 5 years older than him and not miss a beat. USHL.
“And then when you get to know him off the ice, he’s an engaging personality, his character, the way he treats people, that’s just what we do.”
Physically, Levshunov appears ready for the NHL; he is listed at 6 feet 1.75 inches and 205 pounds. But the Blackhawks feel there is even more room to grow.
“I just think he’s way behind, even though he’s a big guy,” Doneghey said. “You see him and he has long arms and legs; it’s just that he hasn’t trained in North America. In August, he’s going to Michigan State, so he hasn’t even had a college workout like most kids do. I I just think his ceiling is of high quality.”
The big question now is: where will Levshunov play next season? Will he return to Michigan State for his second season or will he turn pro and play in the AHL?
The Blackhawks appear to have already thought about this.
“I’ll probably talk to [his agent] Dan Milstein and give him our idea of what we think and what we believe is the best way forward,” Davidson said. “Let’s let him hear this first.”
With the pick, Levshunov instantly becomes the top prospect in Chicago’s system and projects to be one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He could very well headline a new core on the back end that includes Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic.
“With Levshunov’s size, mobility and the abrasiveness with which he plays, he is an excellent addition to the group,” Davidson said. “But also his ability with the puck and his ability to turn defense into offense is something he does very well and is a very attractive addition to the group.”
Not only do the Blackhawks think Levshunov could be a top-tier defender. They think he has all the tools to be the genuine No. 1 blue liner that every Stanley Cup contender needs.
“He certainly has that advantage, yes,” Davidson said. “It’s just the complete package. The ability to play on both sides of the puck, the plus side, the physical. I think there’s still physical growth to happen in terms of filling out and getting even stronger than him, which is pretty Scary to think about.
“But I think just the ability to impact the game on both sides of the puck and log big minutes, which I believe he will do at the NHL level.”
