The Chicago Blackhawks drafted Artyom Levshunov with the second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Getting injured in the first prospects tournament wasn’t the way the team or Levshunov wanted to start his career out, but things could’ve been worse.
He was injured from a shot to the right foot on September 11 and has been on the road to recovery since. Just over a week later, it was reported that Levshunov wouldn’t play in any pre-season games as the injury would keep him out until just after.
As of September 27, Levshunov is skating in a non-contact jersey. Just that he’s skating is a good sign as the injury was to his foot. Pre-season games are already underway and there’s no use in risking further injury by rushing him back to action. There was always a good chance he starts the season in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs anyways.
Levshunov signed a three-year entry-level deal on July 6 and is going to be a huge part of the defense in Chicago as the team will improve year-to-year now that the plan is to start coming out of the rebuild.
He showed his ability as a rookie in the NCAA by scoring nine goals and 35 points in 38 games. Levshunov is already built for the NHL and is expected to be the long-time number one right defenseman on the team. He should slowly overtake Seth Jones for that role over the next few seasons.
For now, the Blackhawks hope for no setbacks as they ease Levshunov back into action. His expected return date is October 8 and he should be given ample playing time in the AHL to develop right away.
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