Meet Artyom Levshunov, the Blackhawks’ No. 2 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft

The 2024 NHL Draft is in full swing and Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov is the latest prospect to hear his name called. The Chicago Blackhawks selected the Spartans rearguard with the second overall pick in Friday’s draft, and he now stands as one of the Hawks’ most promising prospects as they build the future of their organization. In our most recent NHL Mock Draft, the Michigan State star went third overall to the Anaheim Ducks.

The Zlobin, Belarus native had a fantastic season with the Michigan State Spartans this year. He headlined a group of some impressive college defensemen in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Michigan State finished the season ranked in the top five in the country. Additionally, they participated in the Frozen Four tournament, which allowed them to compete for a national championship.

It is not yet clear whether Levshunov will turn professional immediately. Either way, the Belarusian guard has a lot of potential and could legitimately become an NHL star. Chicago may have added a future franchise cornerstone with this NHL Draft selection.

What Artyom Levshunov Brings to the Blackhawks

Levshunov spent time playing U18 hockey in Belarus before coming to North America in 2022-23. He played with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League that year. And he played extremely well for the Gamblers. Levshunov has 13 goals and 42 points in 62 games in 2022-23. Green Bay finished fourth in its division, qualifying for the Clark Cup playoffs. However, they lost in the qualifying round to the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Levshunov joined Michigan State for the 2023-24 season, where he thrived. The Belarusian guard scored nine goals and 35 points in 38 games for the Spartans. Michigan State defeated rival Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Tournament to win the conference. However, Michigan had the last laugh, eliminating the Spartans in the Frozen Four tournament.

Levshunov compares rather favorably in terms of offensive talent to some notable names in the NHL. The Spartans star finished second over the past three decades among draft-eligible first-year college defenders with 35 points. His total surpassed names such as Quinn Hughes, Owen Power and Charlie McAvoy.

Levshunov is considered one of the best defenders in this class. It’s certainly possible to say he’s the best defenseman available in the 2024 NHL Draft. And if all goes well, the Belarusian defenseman could become the NHL’s next elite two-way defenseman in due time with the Blackhawks .

Artyom Levshunov in long-term shape

Levshunov is an excellent offensive talent from a standpoint. He plays with remarkable balance that allows him to remain calm in all situations. In addition, his skating allows him to play with speed when necessary as well as get closer to offensive players in the defensive zone. He can lead the team on the ice in transition or join the rush when he deems it necessary.

Defensively, Levshunov is also strong. He’s not necessarily a defensive force in the same vein as Russian defender Anton Silayev. It compares a little more favorably to that of Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh. Both defenders provide more value with their offensive potential, at least for now. The difference is that Levshunov plays much better defense than Parekh, which has caused Parekh to fall down the draft boards.

If Levshunov can develop his defense, he will be an elite defenseman in the NHL. Either way, he won’t be a liability in his own camp. This should give him the green light on offense, which could allow him to become one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL. The Blackhawks may have found their new number one defenseman in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.