the season of rising stars in the ice hockey world, the Chicago Blackhawks have added another strong newcomer. 18-year-old defensive rookie Artyom Levshunov officially signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Black Hawks this weekend, marking the young talent’s official start to the NHL’s professional journey.
Levshunov’s rise can be described as a shining star, as he was crowned as the number one pick in the 2024 NHL draft and was recruited by the discerning Black Hawks. This choice not only reflects the team’s grand plan for the future blueprint, but also highly recognizes Levshunov’s talent and potential.
“Artyom’s joining is another important milestone in our team’s internal development strategy,” Black Hawks General Manager Kyle Davidson said confidently at the signing ceremony. “He possesses all the qualities to become a top NHL defender – excellent two-way ability, sharp court judgment, and relentless enterprising spirit. We firmly believe that as he continues to hone on the professional stage, he will shine even more brightly.”
Looking back at the past season, Levshunov’s performance on the Michigan State University men’s ice hockey team has been remarkable. As the third youngest player in the team, he contributed 35 points (including 9 goals and 26 assists) in 38 games, tied in the top ten scoring positions among defenders, and ranked second among all new defenders. His outstanding performance not only won the awards of Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the top ten leagues, but also successfully selected for the league’s first and best rookie lineups, leading the entire league with a plus or minus score of+27, fully demonstrating his comprehensive strength and leadership temperament.
It is worth mentioning that Levshunov comes from Jalopin, Belarus, and his successful signing has made him one of the most selected Belarusian players in NHL draft history, winning more honors and attention for his country.
After signing, Levshunov quickly integrated into the Black Hawks family and participated in a development training camp with the team’s young talents. He said, “This period of time is precious for each of us, as we learn from each other and progress together. For me, it is more like a process of learning and growth, and I believe this experience will have a profound impact on our future development.”
With Levshunov’s official joining, the future of the Chicago Blackhawks is undoubtedly filled with more expectations and possibilities. The addition of this young defender not only injects new vitality into the team, but also brings more hope and longing to the fans. In the days to come, let’s witness Levshunov shine his own brilliance on the NHL stage together!
Chicago Blackhawks Rookie Shines: Artyom Levshunov signs a three-year rookie contract
