Blackhawks sign second overall pick Artyom Levshunov to entry-level contract originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
O Black Hawks announced on Saturday that they have signed the second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Artem Levshunov to an initial three-year contract.
“Signing Artyom gives us the opportunity to continue his development internally and take the next step in professional hockey,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said in a statement. ultimate NHL player and we are excited to continue his growth at the professional level.”
Levshunov plans to play a bit with the Rockford IceHogs before joining the Blackhawks, but he projects to be a top-tier defenseman with a right-handed shot soon. He’s just 18 years old and burst onto the national scene with 35 points (9G, 26A) in 38 games for Michigan State as a freshman last year. That was good for Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors.
Levshunov will have a salary cap hit of $975,000 and his contract will run through the 2026-27 season.