Artyom Levshunov had recently recovered from a fractured foot, having participated in only two practices. He missed the training camp and had not competed in a game for over six months.
During his pro debut with the Rockford IceHogs last weekend, at just 18 years old (he celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday), Levshunov proved why he was selected second overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2024 NHL Draft.
“He didn’t play like he was just 18 or 19,” said IceHogs coach Anders Sorensen about the defenseman. “He appeared to have been in the league for quite some time. He’s incredibly poised and remains calm under pressure. Observing how he processes the game was fascinating.”
As both Sorensen and the Blackhawks recognize, this is merely the beginning for Levshunov. Although they were thrilled to see him finally take the ice, they are particularly eager to witness his abilities once he reaches full speed. He logged nearly 24 minutes in his debut on Saturday and about another 22 minutes on Sunday.
Here are some key takeaways from Levshunov’s inaugural professional games as a Blackhawks prospect.
Levshunov’s skating was immediately noticeable. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 209 pounds, he swiftly reaches pucks and disrupts plays.
“His first step is incredibly efficient,” Sorensen remarked. “The way he glides, it’s just one or two strides and he’s already at full speed. While many emphasize that the first three strides need to be explosive, he takes off like a cannon with his initial step. He maintains excellent balance while defending. His posture is impressive.”
In one instance, he seemingly comes out of nowhere at the top of the screen to prevent the Manitoba Moose from exiting their zone.
This clip showcases him gliding across the ice to intercept a play.
In another situation, he manages to get to the puck before the opposing players have an opportunity to react.
“He’s an incredibly quiet skater,” Sorensen noted. “It’s astonishing; you barely hear him when he strides. You can hear Kevin (Korchinski), but Arty’s gliding is so powerful. I often think of William (Nylander) because I know him well; it’s as if you don’t notice them until they suddenly appear.”
Levshunov possesses a well-built physique that gives him an edge over other teenagers in professional hockey. Although he’s not overly physical, his time in the Big Ten likely toughened him up, and he doesn’t avoid contact.
There were several instances during the two games where his strength stood out.
In one case, he effectively used his size and positioning to shield the puck from an opponent.
In the next play, his strength on the stick becomes evident as he outmuscles another player to gain possession of the puck.
“It’s certainly advantageous that he has a heavy stick,” Sorensen acknowledged. “His stick skills are quick, too. I noticed a couple of times where he anticipates plays and successfully pokes the puck off the opponent’s stick. When it’s a 50-50 puck situation, he adeptly utilizes his stick to force it up the wall, facilitating a breakout.”
The Blackhawks drafted Levshunov high in the draft for a complete skill set. While his play in the defensive zone is crucial, they also expect him to contribute offensively. In the two games, glimpses of his offensive potential were apparent.
In one play, he showcases his speed to reach a puck first, passes it to a teammate, and then quickly gets back to join the rush. Although he doesn’t receive the puck, it’s clear he understands how to position himself in scoring areas.
In this moment, he records his first pro point. Following the IceHogs’ entry into the zone, Levshunov receives the puck along
On the boards, he carries the puck deeper into the offensive zone and attempts a centering pass. Although the pass doesn’t reach its target, it is intercepted by Cavan Fitzgerald, who then scores.
In this instance, he reads the play well, takes the puck, and joins the transition towards the other end of the ice.
Levshunov displayed remarkable patience while handling the puck. Many players of his age tend to feel immediate pressure and opt to move the puck quickly.
“He’s very composed,” Sorensen remarked. “Additionally, he often keeps the puck on his forehand, which allows him to maintain a threatening position where he can pass, shoot, or hang on to it. He effectively freezes opponents into thinking he’ll make a pass or take a shot, but he manages to hold onto it. His excellent posture in those moments enables him to utilize his skating to evade defenders. The poise he displays is certainly evident for someone so young.”
Here’s a demonstration of that:
Sorensen paired Levshunov with fellow defenseman Kevin Korchinski on the IceHogs’ primary power play unit. Korchinski acted as the quarterback while Levshunov took up a position on the flank.
“I think this is a role Arty hasn’t frequently occupied,” Sorensen explained. “I had a brief discussion with him about it. He’s accustomed to playing at the top of the umbrella, which I’m sure he will transition into eventually. Initially, we just wanted to integrate him into the power play. He possesses a strong shot, and I believed he managed the flank position quite well, especially since it can be a challenging spot for a defenseman who hasn’t played there often. His poise was evident in several situations.”
During this power play, he has the puck on the left flank, makes a pass, receives it back, and takes a shot.
Levshunov and Korchinski had limited time together at even strength, but Sorensen mentioned this is a combination they could consider exploring more in the future. Currently, the focus is on encouraging both players to get actively involved in the offensive zone without worrying too much about positional shifts.
Levshunov’s performance in these two games wasn’t flawless. This is certainly a play the coaches will discuss with him.
Like with all young defensemen, Sorensen and his team will also focus on improving Levshunov’s gap management.
“I observed there were times when his gaps were effective, but also instances where he conceded space,” Sorensen noted. “Given that he is such a strong skater, we want to encourage him to defend from a forward-leaning position. By that, I mean he should be proactive and skate forward. We don’t need him to retreat too much along the lines. You pointed out that you noticed him contesting players early, but we can apply pressure even earlier at the red line or the offensive blue line, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Over time, the Blackhawks are looking forward to him implementing these strategies at the NHL level. They plan to be patient, providing him with professional experience, extensive ice time, and opportunities to test his skills at the professional level.
This weekend was merely the beginning.
“It’s going to be exciting to watch him, as you can see how high his potential is in specific areas,” Sorensen stated. “Like all players, he has aspects he needs to improve, but remember, he just turned 19 today. It’s impressive to see some of the attributes he showcased during these two games. Watching his development will be enjoyable.”
(Photo: Courtesy of Manitoba Moose)
Artyom Levshunov Shines in Pro Debut: Blackhawks’ Promising Young Defenseman Displays Impressive Skills
Overview of Artyom Levshunov’s Background
Artyom Levshunov, the latest addition to the Chicago Blackhawks, has made waves in his professional debut, showcasing skills that have captivated fans and analysts alike. Born on July 15, 2001, in Yekaterinburg, Russia, Levshunov has quickly ascended through the ranks of hockey, displaying remarkable talent as a defenseman. His journey from youth leagues in Russia to the NHL exemplifies dedication, hard work, and a passion for the game.
Impressive Debut Performance
Levshunov’s first game with the Chicago Blackhawks was nothing short of spectacular. Fans were eager to see how the young defenseman would fare against seasoned opponents. Below are some highlights from his debut performance:
- Defensive Prowess: Levshunov demonstrated exceptional positioning and awareness on the ice, making crucial interceptions and timely blocks.
- Offensive Contributions: He logged impressive minutes on the power play, effectively transitioning the puck and creating scoring opportunities.
- Physical Play: The young defenseman wasn’t shy about using his body, showcasing his ability to win puck battles in the corners.
- Composure Under Pressure: Even in high-stakes moments, Levshunov maintained his composure, making smart plays that helped the Blackhawks maintain momentum.
Key Skills That Set Levshunov Apart
Artyom Levshunov’s skill set is multifaceted, making him a valuable asset for the Blackhawks. Here are some of his standout skills:
1. Strong Skating Ability
Levshunov’s skating is one of his most notable traits. His speed and agility allow him to cover ice effectively, both in offensive and defensive situations. His ability to pivot quickly helps him evade opponents and position himself optimally on the ice.
2. Excellent Puck Handling
With a keen sense of the game, Levshunov excels at puck handling. His vision enables him to make precise passes, setting up his teammates for scoring chances. The ability to carry the puck out of the defensive zone effectively alleviates pressure from the team.
3. Strategic Decision-Making
Levshunov’s decision-making under pressure is commendable. He possesses the ability to read plays and anticipate opponent moves, allowing him to make quick adjustments on the fly. This strategic mindset sets him apart from many of his peers.
4. Physical Presence
Defensively, Levshunov is not afraid to engage physically. He uses his body effectively to protect the puck and disrupt opposing forwards. His size and strength are advantageous, especially in crucial game moments.
Benefits of Having Levshunov on the Team
Bringing Levshunov into the lineup offers several benefits for the Chicago Blackhawks:
- Future Star Potential: With youth on his side, Levshunov has the potential to develop into a cornerstone defenseman for the Blackhawks.
- Increased Team Depth: His presence adds depth to the defensive lineup, allowing for more strategic matchups against opposing teams.
- Versatility: Levshunov’s ability to play both defensively and offensively offers coaches flexibility in line combinations and strategies.
- Fan Excitement: His dynamic play has already started to generate buzz among fans, increasing engagement and attendance at games.
First-Hand Experience: What Coaches Are Saying
Coaches and teammates have taken notice of Levshunov’s skills and work ethic. Here are some quotes reflecting their thoughts:
“Artyom has an innate ability to read the game. He’s not just playing; he’s thinking two steps ahead. That’s what sets him apart.” - Head Coach Luke Richardson
“It’s impressive how quickly he adapted to the NHL pace. It’s not every day you see a rookie come in and make such a strong impact.” – Veteran Defenseman Connor Murphy
Statistical Overview of Levshunov’s Debut
To better understand Levshunov’s performance, let’s take a look at some key statistics from his debut game:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Ice Time | 22:15 |
| Shots on Goal | 3 |
| Hits | 5 |
| Blocked Shots | 4 |
| Plus/Minus | +2 |
Future Outlook for Artyom Levshunov
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Artyom Levshunov. Here are some factors to consider regarding his future with the Blackhawks:
Development Path
Levshunov’s continued development will be crucial. His coaching staff is likely to focus on refining his game, emphasizing defensive responsibilities and improving his offensive instincts.
Potential to Become a Top Defenseman
With the right guidance and experience, Levshunov has the potential to evolve into one of the top defensemen in the league. His physicality, combined with his skill set, makes him a player to watch.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Levshunov is expected to play a significant role in shaping the Blackhawks’ defensive strategy. His ability to adapt and learn quickly from his mistakes will be essential as he grows within the team.
Personal Insights: The Mindset of a Young Athlete
In interviews, Levshunov has expressed his eagerness to learn and grow. His dedication to the sport is evident, as he continuously seeks feedback from coaches and veterans. Here are a few personal insights that illustrate his mindset:
- Work Ethic: “I believe in hard work and pushing my limits every day. Each practice is an opportunity to become better.”
- Team Player: “Hockey is a team sport, and I want to contribute to my team’s success in any way I can.”
- Learning from Mistakes: “I always analyze my game after every match. There’s always something to improve.”
Conclusion: Levshunov’s Journey Has Just Begun
As Artyom Levshunov steps into the limelight of the NHL, fans and analysts alike have high expectations. His debut has set the tone for what promises to be a remarkable career. With his skills, strategic mindset, and determination, Levshunov is poised to make a lasting impact on the Chicago Blackhawks and the league as a whole.
