Chicago, the city of ice hockey, once again witnessed the shining of new stars. Artyom Levshunov， This young guard, who was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks as the second overall pick in the 2024 Upper Deck NHL draft, is gradually finding his place in the team’s development camp with steady steps.
On Wednesday, when Levshunov stood on the podium, facing the media’s flashes and questions, he appeared calm and composed, with his forearm gently leaning against the podium, revealing a maturity and confidence beyond his age. “So far, everything has been very smooth,” he said with a smile. “No, it should be said to be very good. We are actively training and building connections with every teammate, and this atmosphere makes me feel very comfortable.”
This year’s Black Hawks development camp is different from before, completely focusing on improving ice skills and building team spirit. No heavy ice skating training, no intense competitive matches, but this did not affect Levshunov’s enthusiasm and dedication. During this time, he not only met his future teammates, but also participated in cooking classes, enjoyed the fun of ice exercise, and found a peaceful harbor after the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas draft.
“That time was indeed very tense,” Levshunov recalled his draft experience at Sphere, “but it was also fulfilling and interesting. Standing on that stage, being watched by countless gazes was an unforgettable moment for me. It was a wonderful time that made me more determined to pursue my career path.”
As a star player on the Michigan State University men’s ice hockey team, Levshunov’s performance last season was remarkable. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the top ten leagues, and was selected for the league’s first team and rookie of the year. In 38 games, he contributed 35 points (9 goals, 26 assists) and tied for tenth place among defensive players, demonstrating extraordinary offensive talent and defensive strength.
“He is a right-handed shooter who has been playing alongside top defensive teams throughout the season, leading the top ten leagues with a 27 point rating,” Mark Eaton, assistant general manager of Black Hawks’ player development, praised Levshunov. “He has an outstanding physique, superb skating skills, and more importantly, the trait of wanting to be the focus of the game. He wants to step forward at critical moments and change the course of the game.”
In the development camp, Levshunov also established deep friendships with several other Black Hawks rookies from the Big 10 Hockey League. Center Oliver Moore and defender Sam Rinzel are both his friends, sharing their love and pursuit of ice hockey together. Rinzel’s evaluation of Levshunov is extremely high: “He is tall, agile, and a true two-way defender. In games, you must always be vigilant of his presence because he can always cause trouble for opponents unintentionally.”
Regarding the direction of this season, Levshunov stated that a final decision has not yet been made. He needs to have in-depth communication with his family, Black Hawks, and agent, weigh the pros and cons before making plans. However, regardless of the final choice, he will cherish every moment in the development camp and enjoy the process of growing together with his teammates.
“We are all striving to get to know each other and establish deep friendships,” Levshunov said of his companions. “This week has been a valuable learning experience for me, and I believe it will have a positive impact on our future development.”
