Artyom Levshunov's sacrifices are about to pay off as he works toward the 2024 NHL draft and his big-league dream.
Artyom Levshunov's sacrifices are about to pay off as he works toward the 2024 NHL draft and his big-league dream.
Artyom Levshunov has been living in a whole new world the past two years.
The Belarusian defenseman came over to the United States to play hockey, hoping to be seen by more scouts than he would have been playing in Belarus’ men’s league or in one of the other pro leagues in Europe.
His journey took him to the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers in 2022-23, after the CHL became a non-option with its ban on drafting Russian and Belarusian players. Those who saw Levshunov in action witnessed just how much raw talent he possessed. He was a physical freak who was constantly involved in play on the ice.
“When I saw what he was capable of last year, it was just so intriguing,” said Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale. “We didn’t know what his plans were for this season, but I knew that if he came to MSU, he’d be a big part of this team this year, and he’s delivered on everything and more.”
Last July, Levshunov committed to join Michigan State. Nightingale had just wrapped up his first season as coach, and the team looked poised to be a contender as he reshaped the program. Levshunov’s addition gave them a pillar around which to build the blueline.
"I have more fun when we play with the puck. I can help our team score. That's how you win games." - Artyom Levshunov
Levshunov, who NHL Central Scouting has pegged as the No. 2-ranked North American skater behind Macklin Celebrini, plays an aggressive, two-way brand of hockey. Offensively, he can fire bombs from the blueline or creep in and tap home a shot back-door. He likes to force the issue when it comes to getting involved in the play, and he’s willing to venture deep into the offensive zone to create chances around the net and help out in puck battles.
On the defensive side of the puck, he looks to punish opponents with booming hits, crushing players in open ice or along the boards. Levshunov is adept at thwarting opposition rushes and getting the play moving back in the other direction as quickly as possible.
Levshunov’s teammates call him a gym junkie, and he says he’s committed to getting a little better every day. That’s how he views his development – he knows he has plenty of room to grow, and he’s never satisfied. He approaches the game on and off the ice like a pro.
“I have more fun when we play with the puck,” he said. “I want to work hard to get the puck for our team so I can help our team score. That’s how you win hockey games. Score more.”
He’s not wrong. Last season, Michigan State finished with 18 wins, good for fifth place in the Big Ten. They lost in the conference semifinal and failed to make the national tournament at season’s end.
This year, the Spartans scored more – a lot more. They won the Big Ten tournament by defeating rival Michigan in an overtime thriller. Michigan State was one of the best teams in the nation, and Levshunov was a big part of that. He finished second in team scoring, just one point behind Tampa Bay first-rounder Isaac Howard, with 35 points in 38 games.
While all of the on-ice success has been great for Levshunov and Michigan State, Nightingale is perhaps even more impressed with the growth he’s seen from Levshunov off the ice.
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Where is Levshunov ranked, and which teams are in that range? Adam Proteau has more on that:
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