Artyom Levshunov Blackhawks Blue-Line 2025

Published: June 11, 2025

⏱️ 7 min read

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Table of Contents

Introduction: Meet Artyom Levshunov, the Blackhawks’ Game-Changer

As the Chicago Blackhawks continue to reshape their roster for the future, few prospects generate as much buzz as Artyom Levshunov. Drafted second overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Levshunov’s powerful skating, explosive mobility, and poise have turned heads in both the AHL and NHL circles. In this article, we delve into his journey, examine what sets him apart, and explore why Blackhawks fans consider him the blue-line pillar for the years to come.

Key Takeaways:

  • Drafted 2nd overall in 2024, Levshunov posted 22 points in 52 AHL games with impressive 3 shots per game average.
  • His right-handed shot and two-way awareness make him rare commodity during NHL’s shortage of impactful right-shot defensemen.
  • Combines size, powerful skating, and explosive mobility with physical assertiveness (59 penalty minutes).
  • Fits 2025 NHL trend perfectly: mobile, versatile defensemen who drive offense and neutralize threats.
  • Projected as foundational player capable of anchoring all situations from 5-on-5 to special teams for Blackhawks.

Artyom Levshunov: Background and AHL Success

Levshunov made a name for himself with the Rockford IceHogs during the 2024-25 season. Featuring in 52 AHL games, he tallied 22 points (5 goals and 17 assists) while averaging nearly 3 shots per game. His 59 penalty minutes underscore his assertive, physical style—traits that blend skill with grit, and that fit perfectly with Chicago’s vision for a dynamic defense. Draft experts cite Levshunov’s quick reaction time, puck retrieval, and transition play as standout qualities likely to spark success at the NHL level.

His AHL performance exceeded typical rookie defenseman expectations. While many first-year professional defensemen struggle defensively, Levshunov demonstrated advanced positioning and gap control. His ability to make smart first passes under pressure—completing breakout passes with consistency—impressed Rockford coaching staff. The shot volume (3 per game) indicates offensive aggressiveness while maintaining defensive responsibility, a balance many young defensemen fail to achieve.

Levshunov’s physical maturity also stood out. At 6’2” and 205 pounds, he uses his frame effectively without taking unnecessary penalties. The 59 penalty minutes reflect calculated physicality rather than undisciplined play—finishing checks, protecting teammates, and establishing net-front presence without compromising positioning.

Why Levshunov Stands Out Among Blackhawks’ Defensive Prospects

The Blackhawks’ pool of defense prospects is deep, including names like Nolan Allan, Wyatt Kaiser, and Sam Rinzel. But Levshunov’s combination of size, right-handed shot, and two-way awareness make him a rare commodity—especially given the NHL’s current shortage of impactful right-shot defensemen. As the Blackhawks’ rebuild accelerates, coaches and analysts project Levshunov as a foundational player who can anchor all situations, from 5-on-5 to special teams.

Comparison to Other Blackhawks’ Defense Prospects:

  • Nolan Allan: More defensive-minded, projects as shutdown third-pairing option
  • Wyatt Kaiser: Solid two-way player but lacks Levshunov’s offensive ceiling
  • Sam Rinzel: High offensive upside but needs defensive development time
  • Levshunov: Complete package—offense, defense, physicality, right-handed shot

The right-handed shot element cannot be overstated. NHL teams perpetually search for right-shot defensemen who can play top-four minutes. Levshunov’s ability to play both sides makes him even more valuable, providing Chicago deployment flexibility that left-shot defensemen cannot offer.

The 2025 NHL landscape is seeing a paradigm shift: mobile, versatile defensemen who drive offense and neutralize threats are more prized than ever. The 2025 NHL Draft further highlights the scarcity of right-shooting blue-liners, elevating Levshunov’s value to the Blackhawks. With his ability to rush the puck, control zone entries, and unleash a booming point shot, Levshunov perfectly fits this new mold—and he’s poised to lead the Blackhawks’ transition from rebuild to contention.

Levshunov’s Path to the NHL: What to Watch

As Levshunov edges closer to a permanent NHL roster spot, fans and scouts are watching a few key areas: continued AHL dominance, adaptability to the NHL’s speed, and contributions on both sides of the puck. The Blackhawks’ investment in his development, alongside their 2025 draft flexibility, further solidifies his importance in Chicago’s plans.

Strategic Tips: How the Blackhawks Can Maximize Levshunov’s Impact

  • Give Levshunov significant minutes at both even strength and special teams to accelerate development.

  • Pair him with experienced partners to ease the transition from AHL to NHL pace and physicality.

  • Focus on puck management and positioning to harness his offensive instincts without sacrificing defensive structure.

  • Encourage open communication with coaching staff for continuous feedback and growth.

  • Monitor conditioning and recovery to prevent injuries during increased NHL workload transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What were Artyom Levshunov’s AHL statistics in 2024-25?

During the 2024-25 season with the Rockford IceHogs, Levshunov featured in 52 AHL games and tallied 22 points (5 goals and 17 assists) while averaging nearly 3 shots per game. His 59 penalty minutes underscore his assertive, physical style that blends skill with grit, fitting Chicago’s vision for a dynamic defense.

Why is Artyom Levshunov considered so valuable to the Blackhawks?

Levshunov’s combination of size, right-handed shot, and two-way awareness make him a rare commodity, especially given the NHL’s shortage of impactful right-shot defensemen. As the Blackhawks’ rebuild accelerates, coaches and analysts project Levshunov as a foundational player who can anchor all situations, from 5-on-5 to special teams.

The 2025 NHL landscape prizes mobile, versatile defensemen who drive offense and neutralize threats. Levshunov perfectly fits this mold with his ability to rush the puck, control zone entries, and unleash a booming point shot. The 2025 NHL Draft further highlights the scarcity of right-shooting blue-liners, elevating his value exponentially.

When might Artyom Levshunov become a full-time NHL player?

Levshunov edges closer to a permanent NHL roster spot as he continues his development. Fans and scouts are watching for continued AHL dominance, adaptability to NHL speed, and contributions on both sides of the puck. The Blackhawks’ investment in his development, alongside their 2025 draft flexibility, solidifies his importance in Chicago’s long-term plans.

Conclusion: The Future of the Blackhawks’ Blue Line

Artyom Levshunov’s next steps will be closely watched by Blackhawks fans, analysts, and the broader NHL community. His rare skills, size, and potential make him a linchpin for the team’s future. As the league’s emphasis on elite, two-way defensemen grows, Levshunov stands at the center of Chicago’s blueprint for success—ready to rewrite the Blackhawks’ blue-line legacy for years to come.

The Blackhawks’ rebuilding timeline aligns perfectly with Levshunov’s development trajectory. By 2026-2027, when Connor Bedard enters his prime and Chicago’s prospect pool matures, Levshunov should be established as a top-pairing defenseman. This synchronized development creates championship window potential that patient Blackhawks fans have waited years to see materialize.

For collectors, Levshunov represents an intriguing investment opportunity. Second-overall picks who develop into elite defensemen often see significant card value appreciation. While he may not command the same attention as forwards, his rare right-handed shot and complete skill set position him as a potential cornerstone player whose rookie cards could appreciate substantially if he reaches his projected ceiling.