Artyom Levshunov Signs Entry-Level Contract with Blackhawks
Tony Marchese originally posted this on On Tap Sports Net. It was last updated on July 7, 24.
The Chicago Blackhawks have signed defender Artyom Levshunov to a three-year, entry-level contract, a major step toward building their future squad. The Blackhawks community has been excited to see Levshunov, an 18-year-old highly regarded defense prospect who is slated to be the No. 2 choice in the 2024 NHL Draft, as they want to see how his skills will develop in the NHL.
Levshunov’s signing thrilled Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson, who said, “Artyom’s signing offers us the chance to continue his development in-house and take the next step into professional hockey. He is a potent two-way defenseman with all the makings of a top-tier NHL player, and we are eager to watch him develop further on the professional scene.”
Levshunov is expected to start his professional career with the Blackhawks’ development camp and then spend the most of the 2024–25 season with the Rockford IceHogs. This is a significant step in his career progression from collegiate hockey to the pros. In these early going, his performance and flexibility will be critical as he adjusts to the professional setting and the demands of an 82-game season.
Levshunov had an incredible first season at Michigan State, finishing 38 games with 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists), tying for 10th place among defenseman and winning both the Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards.
