Artyom Levshunov leaks information regarding the 2024 NHL draft
Photo credit: Dobber Prospects
NHL Draft Spotlight: Artyom Levshunov, the Blackhawks' Potential Defensive Cornerstone
The NHL Entry Draft is fast approaching, and with the NHL Combine set to commence in Buffalo, teams are gearing up for a close evaluation of top prospects. Among them is Artyom Levshunov, a defenseman who has notably caught the attention of the Chicago Blackhawks.
From June 3rd to 8th, interviews and assessments at the Combine will provide teams an invaluable opportunity to gauge the physical capabilities and mental acumen of aspiring NHL stars. It's a crucial period for teams like the Blackhawks, who, with picks #2 and #18 in the first round, are positioned to make significant additions to their roster.
Levshunov and the Blackhawks : A Growing Connection
Artyom Levshunov's engagement with the Blackhawks has been robust throughout the year, signaling a potential early draft pick for the defenseman. As he shared in an interview with Antho Martineau, "He feels significant interest from Chicago, who have met with him several times this year."
« Also adds that the combine will be the first time he's met with the Habs. Something tells me MTL doesn't think he'll be an option. »
View the tweet discussing this interaction:
Levshunov, who showcased his skills with the Michigan State Spartans last season, delivered an impressive 35 points across 38 games, underscoring his potential as a top-tier, right-handed defenseman.
The Draft's Decision Point: Levshunov vs. The Field
Corey Pronman of The Athletic anticipates that Levshunov could be the Blackhawks' second overall pick, stating:
« 2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA (BIG10))
This may be the biggest decision point in the draft. Most NHL sources believe Levshunov, Ivan Demidov, Cayden Lindstrom (with a clean bill of health), and Anton Silayev are the likeliest top-five picks.
If it's down to Levshunov versus one of the players in Russia in Ivan Demidov or Anton Silayev, I think a lot of NHL teams will lean toward the big defenseman they've seen live a bunch and who has played at a high level for two years, unless they think the Russian is clearly superior.
I don't think the league views this case as one where those alternatives are clearly superior and for that reason, I'm projecting Levshunov to be the second pick. If Lindstrom gets great reviews at the NHL combine the picture could change a little as well. »
This may be the biggest decision point in the draft. Most NHL sources believe Levshunov, Ivan Demidov, Cayden Lindstrom (with a clean bill of health), and Anton Silayev are the likeliest top-five picks.
If it's down to Levshunov versus one of the players in Russia in Ivan Demidov or Anton Silayev, I think a lot of NHL teams will lean toward the big defenseman they've seen live a bunch and who has played at a high level for two years, unless they think the Russian is clearly superior.
I don't think the league views this case as one where those alternatives are clearly superior and for that reason, I'm projecting Levshunov to be the second pick. If Lindstrom gets great reviews at the NHL combine the picture could change a little as well. »
As the Combine progresses and teams finalize their strategies, the question remains: Could Artyom Levshunov be the key to fortifying the Blackhawks' defense for the future? The answer lies just on the horizon, as the NHL world turns its eyes to Buffalo for what promises to be an eventful draft selection.
Source: New York Times
NHL Mock Draft: Celebrini at No. 1 and Levshunov at No. 2 lead Corey Pronman's list
NHL Mock Draft: Celebrini at No. 1 and Levshunov at No. 2 lead Corey Pronman's list
| POLL | ||
6 JUIN | 56 ANSWERS Artyom Levshunov leaks information regarding the 2024 NHL draft Do you think Levshunov is taken 2nd overall? | ||
| Yes | 29 | 51.8 % |
| No | 27 | 48.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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