Defenseman Artyom Levshunov, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks late on Saturday. Artyom Levshunov in action for Michigan State last season. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3MDI2MTg4NjIxNzE5MDEx/usatsi_22796373_168401008_lowres.jpg] Artyom Levshunov in action for Michigan State last season. The deal, which has a $975,000 salary cap hit, means the the 6-foot-2, 210-pound native of Belarus will not return to Michigan State, where was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season. Strong and mobile, the 18-year-old Levshunov scored nine goals and 35 points in 38 games with the Spartans and was a plus-27 en route to being named Defensive Player of the Year in the conference. Levshunov just completed development camp with the Blackhawks in Chicago this week after being selected on Friday, June 28 at the draft in Las Vegas. After rookie and training camps this fall, Levshunov probably will be assigned to Rockford of the AHL. The Blackhawks are extremely deep with defenseman prospects and general manager Kyle Davidson said Levshunov has the potential to be a No. 1 NHL D-man in time. Artyom Levshunov (center) poses with Connor Bedard (left) at after being selected in the No. 2 overall slot by the Blackhawks at the 2024 NHL Draft. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3NDg1MTcxOTEyNDE4NTg5/usatsi_23643577_168401008_lowres.jpg] Artyom Levshunov (center) poses with Connor Bedard (left) at after being selected in the No. 2 overall slot by the Blackhawks at the 2024 NHL Draft. "Signing Artyom gives us the opportunity to continue his development in-house and take the next step into professional hockey," Davidson said in a news release issued Saturday. "He's a strong two-way defenseman that has all the tools to be a high-end player in the NHL and we're excited to continue his growth at the pro level." On Friday, Davidson said he would have no problem if Levshunov returned to Michigan State given the high quality of the Spartans iconic hockey program and competition in the Big Ten. Earlier in the week, Levshunov was coy and circumspect about his plans for 2024-25, saying he needed to talk to his "advisors." He quietly hinted he might even land in the NHL. See the following video. No. 2 overall draft pick Artyom Levshunov was circumspect about his 2024-25 plans last week, saying he needed to talk with his "advisors." He signed a pro contract on Saturday.
