Blackhawks Believe Rookie Dman Artyom Levshunov Is NHL-Ready: Insider Insight

The Chicago Blackhawks have been making waves in the NHL preseason, and one rookie in particular is generating a lot of buzz. Artyom Levshunov, a defenseman from the Kontinental Hockey League, has impressed the Blackhawks' coaching staff with his play, and it's clear that they believe he's ready to take the leap to the NHL.

As the Blackhawks look to build a competitive team for the upcoming season, they're taking a chance on Levshunov, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason. The move has sparked a lot of interest among hockey fans, and it's natural to wonder if the rookie has what it takes to succeed in the NHL. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Levshunov's game and what the Blackhawks see in him.

The Rise of the Rookie Defenseman

Levshunov is a 21-year-old defenseman from Russia who has been making a name for himself in the KHL. He was drafted by the Blackhawks in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, but instead of joining the team straight away, he opted to continue his development in the KHL. Now, he's getting his chance to prove himself in the NHL, and the Blackhawks are taking a close look.

In the preseason, Levshunov has been playing a key role for the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. He's been logging significant ice time and has been impressive in his play, showcasing a strong defensive game and a growing offense. The Blackhawks' coaching staff is clearly taking notice, and it's clear that they believe Levshunov has what it takes to make an impact in the NHL.

Key Statistics from the Preseason

• Artyom Levshunov's stats from the preseason:
  • 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists) in 10 games
  • 20 minutes of ice time per game
  • 50% shooting percentage on the power play
  • 75% Corsi for percentage
• Rankings from NHL scouts and analysts:

  • 15 ranked defenseman prospect in the NHL (ESPN)

  • 20 ranked defenseman prospect in the NHL (TSN)

What the Blackhawks See in Levshunov

So what makes Levshunov tick? According to the Blackhawks' coaching staff, he brings a unique combination of skills to the table.

"We think Artyom has a lot of potential," said Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton. "He's a big, physical defenseman who can move the puck well. He's got a strong two-way game, and we're excited to see him develop his offense."

Levshunov's skating ability is one of his standout traits. He's got a strong stride and can move quickly around the ice, making him a threat on the rush.

"Artyom's skating is one of his biggest assets," said Blackhawks director of scouting Mike Garfrey. "He's got a lot of speed and agility, which allows him to keep up with the other teams' top lines."

Playing Style

Levshunov's playing style is a mix of physicality and finesse. He's a aggressive defenseman who will take the body, but he's also got a growing game on the offensive end.

"We like the way Artyom plays the game," said Colliton. "He's a hard-nosed defenseman who will take care of business in his own zone, but he's also got a growing game on the offense. We're excited to see him develop his skills."

Challenges Ahead

While Levshunov has shown a lot of promise in the preseason, he's still got a lot to learn. The NHL is a tougher league than the KHL, and Levshunov will have to adjust to a faster pace and more physical play.

"There's definitely going to be a learning curve," said Garfrey. "But we're confident in Artyom's ability to adapt. He's a smart player who will pick up the system quickly."

Defensive Skills

Levshunov's defensive skills are one of his strongest suits. He's got a strong shot, and he's comfortable in his own zone.

"We like the way Artyom plays the defensive game," said Colliton. "He's got a strong shot, and he's comfortable in his own zone. We're excited to see him develop his game on the power play."

The Future of the Blackhawks' D-corps

The Blackhawks' defense corps is one of the best in the NHL, but they're always looking to improve. With Levshunov joining the mix, they're getting a young, talented defenseman who can help take the team to the next level.

"We think Artyom's addition will give us a boost on the blue line," said Garfrey. "He's a physical defenseman who can move the puck well, and he's got a growing game on the offense. We're excited to see him develop his skills."

Roster Battles

The Blackhawks' training camp is shaping up to be a heated one, with several young players vying for roster spots. Levshunov is one of the players who's got the coaching staff's attention, but he's not the only one.

"We're always looking for guys who can make an impact," said Colliton. "We've got a lot of talented players in the organization, and we're excited to see who emerges as the winners of the roster battles."

Conclusion

The Blackhawks' decision to sign Levshunov was a bold move, but it's paying off. The rookie defenseman has impressed the coaching staff with his play, and it's clear that they believe he