The Chicago Blackhawks are very excited to announce the signing to his entry-level contract (ELC), the second overall pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, star defenceman Artyom Levshunov. General Manager Kyle Davidson must be looking forward to, in their club’s scouting research opinion, the best defenceman among a group of such elite defencemen. Look for Levshunov to very likely have a job in Chicago come October. However, nothing is set in stone.
It's official 🥳
Details ⮕ https://t.co/a70qBVieA0 pic.twitter.com/gW1x13SRL8
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 6, 2024
Artyom Levshunov Signs his first NHL Contract
The Chicago Blackhawks have added a native of Belarus to their backend. Artyom Levshunov signs his contract to mark the beginning of his NHL career. Levshunov is a talented defenceman, one with size and speed, and really is a five-tool player. In his draft season, he played with the Michigan State Spartans of the Big-10 Division among the NCAA ranks. He scored nine goals and added 26 assists for 35 points in 38 games. Furthermore, given his size, he should be NHL ready come training camp, now that he has got the signing of his ELC out of the way. It will be exciting to see exactly what opportunity the Blackhawks give him, especially with respect to special team ice time. He has the potential to be a threat on the power play and has a heavy shot.
What Does this Mean for the Chicago Blackhawks
The fact that he is close to being NHL ready now, is fine for the Chicago Blackhawks organization. Moreover, they are a team firmly entrenched in a rebuild, and have no problem developing prospects in the NHL. Lukas Reichel, Kevin Korchinski, and yes, even Connor Bedard, are all being given excellent opportunity. Each still at an early stage of their respective NHL careers. They will be more than willing to welcome, with open arms, the club’s second overall pick, Artyom Levshunov.
Main photo credit: Nick King/Lansing State Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK
