Artyom Levshunov inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. An 18-year-old defenseman, he was their No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. “Signing Artyom allows us to nurture his development in-house and transition him to professional hockey,” said Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson. Davidson noted Levshunov’s strong two-way skills, expressing excitement for his professional growth.
Previously, Levshunov was the third-youngest player in men’s college hockey at Michigan State. He tallied 35 points in 38 games, earning accolades like Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. His plus-27 rating topped the Big Ten. Born in Zhlobin, Belarus, Levshunov is the highest-drafted Belarus-born player in NHL history.
Having participated in Blackhawks development camp, Levshunov emphasized the importance of building relationships with fellow prospects. He found the camp to be a valuable learning experience, contributing positively to his overall development as he gears up for a promising professional career.
