Assessing Artyom Levshunov’s Development: A Cautious Approach

The Chicago Blackhawks made a bold move by selecting Artyom Levshunov with the second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, marking him as a key prospect for the franchise’s future. Since that pivotal moment, Levshunov has been on a journey of development, with his potential still unfolding as he navigates the challenges of professional hockey.

Levshunov embarked on his professional career in the AHL during the 2024-25 season, eventually making his NHL debut in the latter half of the campaign. By the 2025-26 season, he was a fixture in the Blackhawks’ lineup, playing the entire season in Chicago. In 68 games, he recorded 2 goals and 22 assists, totaling 24 points. Notably, he ranked just behind teammate Louis Crevier for points among defensemen, showcasing a respectable points-per-game average.

However, the young defenseman faced challenges, particularly concerning his decision-making across all zones and his defensive capabilities. While plus-minus statistics can be misleading, Levshunov’s -41 rating—the lowest in the NHL—raises caution flags about his performance on the ice.

Recognizing the need for focused development, the Blackhawks initiated a new program for Levshunov before the Olympic break. Instead of returning him to the Rockford IceHogs, they opted to keep him with the NHL team, allowing him to concentrate on specific areas of improvement. This decision seems to have paid off, as he demonstrated enhanced play following the break, although significant work remains ahead.

At this juncture, it is crucial for the Blackhawks to resist jumping to conclusions about Levshunov’s future in the NHL. While he may not have started his career as impressively as other top prospects like Matthew Schaefer or Lane Hutson, each player’s trajectory is unique. The organization must focus on developing Levshunov’s potential without succumbing to external pressures or comparisons.

Even if Levshunov evolves into a solid middle-pair defender rather than a superstar, it wouldn’t spell doom for the Blackhawks. They continue to seek that franchise-defining player, but there will be opportunities to fill that role in the future. For now, the priority is to cultivate Levshunov’s skills and establish a solid foundation as he continues his development through his first 86 NHL games.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, glimpses of Levshunov’s talent emerged, revealing his good vision and puck-handling skills. When he makes the right decisions, he contributes positively to the team’s play. The Blackhawks are committed to nurturing his growth, aiming to transform him into a reliable everyday NHL player, a path that many successful athletes have taken regardless of their draft position.

As the example of Aaron Ekblad illustrates—who was drafted first overall by the Florida Panthers in 2012 and became a solid defensive anchor without reaching Norris Trophy status—Levshunov still has the potential to become a significant player in the league. Ultimately, the goal remains to build a competitive team, and Levshunov possesses the tools to contribute to that vision.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.