In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago Blackhawks have activated defenseman Artyom Levshunov, their No. 2 overall pick in this year’s NHL draft, only to immediately assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. The move comes after the 18-year-old Belarus native suffered a foot injury during an offseason training session.
According to a close source, Levshunov hurt his right foot when he blocked a shot during a 3-on-3 tournament. The injury continued to bother him during his training, prompting the team to conduct an MRI that revealed a fracture. This setback has undoubtedly altered the young prospect’s path to the NHL.
A Promising Prospect
Levshunov, who impressed during his lone season at Michigan State University, was highly touted heading into the draft. The defenseman’s performance earned him recognition as both the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. His potential prompted the Blackhawks to select him with their coveted second overall pick.
In July, Levshunov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Chicago, carrying a cap hit of $975,000. The deal signaled the organization’s commitment to developing the young talent, with hopes of him becoming a key piece in their future defensive corps.
Embracing the Challenges
Despite the injury setback, Levshunov remains optimistic about his future with the Blackhawks organization. “It was a little boring, skating by myself and the skills coach,” he admitted. “Today, I’m excited to get back with the team.” The young defenseman’s enthusiasm and determination to overcome adversity are admirable qualities that will serve him well as he navigates the challenges of professional hockey.
While Levshunov was sidelined, the Blackhawks made sure to keep him involved and engaged with the team. Head coach Luke Richardson noted, “We’ve been including him in everything. He’s here at the rink and talking to everybody all day. He’s a talker. He loves to spend time talking to people, which is great. It’s going to help probably his language barrier and just comfort zone.”
“Being in meetings and learning the system, it’ll help him integrate into the organization a lot quicker.”
– Luke Richardson, Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach
The Road Ahead
As Levshunov begins his journey with the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks will closely monitor his progress and development. The organization remains committed to nurturing their young talent, recognizing that the path to NHL success is often filled with obstacles and detours.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are also dealing with another injury to their defensive corps. Veteran blueliner Alec Martinez is currently sidelined with a right groin injury. “We’re just not sure [of] the exact timeline,” Richardson said regarding Martinez’s return. “I’m certain he’ll be coming with us on the road trip. I don’t know if he’ll play before that.”
As the Blackhawks navigate these early-season challenges, they remain focused on their long-term goals. The development of prospects like Artyom Levshunov is crucial to the team’s future success, and the organization is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help these young players reach their full potential.
For now, Blackhawks fans will have to wait a little longer to see Levshunov make his NHL debut. However, if his dedication and talent are any indication, it’s only a matter of time before the young defenseman makes his mark on the big stage. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Rockford IceHogs, Levshunov’s journey serves as a reminder that the path to greatness is rarely a straight line, but rather a winding road filled with challenges, growth, and ultimately, triumph.
