Blackhawks' draft pick steals the spotlight from Canadiens' Ivan Demidov

In the 2024 NHL draft, the Chicago Blackhawks managed a more strategic first-round pick than the Montreal Canadiens, signaling a potentially transformative shift for their roster.

The heart of the matter centers on Ivan Demidov and Artyom Levshunov—two promising talents from vastly different playing fields.

Demidov, a notable figure alongside Matvei Michkov in the MHL—widely considered the fourth-best hockey league globally—boasted an impressive scorecard with 60 points in just 30 games.

Despite these stats, his accolades are modest, lacking significant recognition or experience against formidable opponents, a critical factor in evaluating a player's readiness for the NHL.

Demidov's brief stint in the KHL, comprising only six games without securing a regular spot in the SKA St. Petersburg lineup, raises questions about his adaptability and future performance.

Conversely, Levshunov emerges as a robust choice for the Blackhawks. His accolades include the Big Ten Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year titles in 2024.

With 35 points, including nine goals and 26 assists, he ranked second in points on the Spartans, showcasing his pivotal role on the ice.

Levshunov's tested skills and accolades hint at a promising NHL career, evident from his consistent performance in higher-level competitions.

A tweet from a notable sports analyst underscores this sentiment vividly.

While there's substantial hype around Demidov, largely fueled by his association with Michkov, now a winger for the Philadelphia Flyers, it remains to be seen if he will mirror his former teammate's success.

The Blackhawks' decision to opt for Levshunov, a defenseman proven in a competitive college league, over a forward with limited exposure to top-tier play could very well tilt the scales in their favor, marking a strategic draft choice poised for significant impact.