Any staff that picks within the top-three of a sports activities draft, the debates on whether or not they made the right choice with the decide spans months, even a long time, afterward. So why not get a head begin?
The Chicago Blackhawks chosen defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the second total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft in June. In accordance with the 2024-25 Blackhawks Fan Survey by The Athletic, they requested if the Blackhawks made the proper determination in choosing him, and 79.3% voted “Sure.” (from ‘2024-25 Blackhawks fan survey: Connor Bedard, captaincy, NHL Draft and rebuild’ -The Athletic – 08/21/2024).
The overwhelming response was shocking, contemplating it appeared like there was a noticeable discrepancy amongst followers who would have most popular that they’d drafted proficient ahead Ivan Demidov as an alternative.
I imagine there are two variables behind the “Sure” reply.
Levshunov Was the “Complete Bundle”
To begin with the plain, Levshunov’s sport. Common supervisor Kyle Davidson stated he selected Levshunov over Demidov as a result of he thought he was the “whole package deal” together with his measurement, aggressiveness, mobility, and skill to drive offense. It additionally is smart why the Blackhawks would select the protection route.
In 2023, Anthony Petrielli and Nick Ashbourne, in a video for Yahoo Sports activities Canada, mentioned the present pattern of offensive defensemen. They identified how we’re witnessing a doable “golden period” of defensemen, seeing many turn out to be point-per-game gamers and nearly changing into “professional fourth forwards off the push.” Mentioning gamers like Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins), who had 101 factors in 82 video games in 2022-23, and present Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), who had 92 factors in 82 video games final season, By the best way, Hughes’ 92 factors have been higher than the whole Blackhawks’ staff, as their main scorer, Connor Bedard, had 61 factors in 68 video games (which was no small feat for a rookie, both!).
Offensive defensemen have gotten extra of a necessity within the NHL and are additionally onerous to seek out. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), and Roman Josi (Nashville Predators) are large elements of their staff’s success. These defensemen are gifted offensively, however they’re additionally simply pretty much as good defensively, which is even rarer.
The Blackhawks went all in on buying and selling for Seth Jones and subsequently signed him to an eight-year, $76 million extension in 2021 due to his “all-around sport.” The Blackhawks hoped they could have discovered that mixture in Adam Boqvist, who they chose eighth total in 2018, however sadly didn’t pan out. They tried once more with Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel, who they drafted seventh and twenty fifth total in 2022, and each look extraordinarily promising. With Levshunov’s 35 factors in 38 video games with Michigan State and being named the Huge Ten’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months final season, Chicago hopes his two-way toolset will develop right into a high NHL d-man and convey the core house.
I might see why a participant like Levshunov, who Hawks’ assistant common supervisor, Mark Eaton, stated reminded him of Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins), was robust to cross up.
Levshunov Might Be an Early Fan-Favourite
Then, there’s the off-ice persona. When the Florida Panthers received the Stanley Cup in June, common supervisor Invoice Zito emphasised how the Panthers have been crammed with not solely nice gamers however nice folks. The Blackhawks have been concentrating on character, and from what has been seen to this point, Levshunov appears to have nice character.
Associated: Blackhawks Information & Rumors: Mrazek, Levshunov, Nazar & Extra
Levshunov looks as if he shortly gained followers with the humorousness he confirmed on the NHL Scouting Mix when he joked that he and the Blackhawks had some beers throughout their assembly, and even after getting drafted when he needed to preserve getting reminded to carry the microphone up whereas talking. Furthermore, his work ethic is commendable, as famous by Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, who shared that Levshunov was late as a result of he spent additional time within the gymnasium. He was additionally stated to “linger” on the ice even after apply ended. (from ‘Meet Artyom Levshunov, the 2024 NHL Draft’s ‘unimaginable’ protection prospect from Belarus’ – The Athletic – 12/06/2023).
It feels like Bedard’s motor, proper?
If followers have been on the fence about him earlier than, possibly many received received over by the ability Levshunov might carry to the staff with the character to match.
Proper now, it’s onerous to inform if Levshunov was the “proper” decide. He hasn’t performed an NHL sport but (he’s projected to begin with the Rockford IceHogs this season), and there’s no crystal ball to inform us what his profession will appear like. Nevertheless, I, too, assume Levshunov was the right decide based mostly on the early info offered and what the Blackhawks stated they’re attempting to construct with a relentless work ethic, high-character, expert, and speedy staff. Nevertheless it’s completely okay to be skeptical, as nicely.
As Davidson stated after the 2024 NHL Draft, “We’ll see if we’re proper.” That’s all there may be to it.
