The Chicago Blackhawks have signed their second overall draft pick, Artyom Levshunov, to an entry-level contract, marking the start of his professional career. Levshunov, who played college hockey at Michigan State, will now embark on a new journey with the Blackhawks, with the deal extending through the 2026-27 season.
High Praise for Levshunov’s Potential
General Manager Kyle Davidson and Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Doneghey have both expressed immense excitement about Levshunov’s potential and current skill set. Davidson described Levshunov as “the total package,” highlighting his offensive capabilities, mobility, size, and physicality.
“I just think [he’s] the total package,” Davidson said after drafting him last Thursday in Las Vegas. “Offensively, he can drive offense, he can skate, he’s super mobile, he’s got good size, he’s aggressive, he’s a physical defender, and we just think there’s more upside to come. It was just so intriguing and something we really felt that would just make us a much better organization.”
Immediate Signing Reflects Confidence
The Blackhawks’ decision to sign Levshunov just a week after drafting him underscores their confidence in his abilities and potential impact. The organization believes that having him within their system will significantly benefit his development.
Assistant General Manager and Director of Development Mark Eaton emphasized the advantage of having Levshunov in the Blackhawks’ fold this fall, allowing for hands-on daily development.
“That part of it, obviously being able to be hands-on every single day, is a huge bonus,” Eaton said at development camp Wednesday. “If we have the ability to have him in-house and our great staff in Rockford, our development staff working with him on a daily basis, to start to close that gap between where he is and where he needs to go, I think it’s only a bonus.”
Path to the NHL
While Levshunov will likely start in Rockford to refine his game, there is always the possibility that he could make an impression at NHL training camp. The Blackhawks have a history of successful player development in Rockford, as highlighted by Davidson’s praise for head coach Anders Sorensen and his staff.
“I don’t know if we’ve had a player that’s gone down and come back up that hasn’t gotten better in Rockford,” Davidson said. “So we’ve got a ton of trust in Anders and his staff and development staff working in Rockford to make sure players go down there, they’re going to be better, and all the evidence has shown they do get better in Rockford.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Levshunov’s signing further strengthens the Blackhawks’ defensive depth, adding to a promising group that includes Wyatt Kaiser, Ethan Del Mastro, and Nolan Allan. With Levshunov in the mix, the future of Chicago’s blue line looks even brighter.
As the Blackhawks continue to rebuild and develop their young talent, Levshunov’s addition represents a significant step forward. The organization and its fans eagerly anticipate watching his growth and contributions in the years to come.
