Blackhawks select defenseman Artyom Levshunov with No. 2 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
![Blackhawks select defenseman Artyom Levshunov with No. 2 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft](https://media.nbcchicago.com/2024/06/GettyImages-2102498026.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&crop=0px,120px,4111px,2313px&resize=1200,675)
Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
LAS VEGAS — The wait is over: With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks have selected two-way defenseman Artyom Levshunov.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said in his pre-draft media availability on Thursday that there was "tons" of "really healthy and productive" internal debate over which direction to go. While he didn't say it publicly, the discussion all along was believed to be between Levshunov and offensive playmaking forward Ivan Demidov, and the former won out.
Levshunov, 18, turned in a sensational freshman campaign at Michigan State, where he compiled 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games. The season prior, he ranked third among all USHL defensemen with 13 goals and fifth with 42 points in 62 games for the Green Bay Gamblers.
Levshunov is listed at 6-foot-1.75 inches and 205 pounds and projects to be a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL. He carries a right-handed shot, too, which makes his package even more attractive.
Off the ice, Levshunov is quickly going to endear himself to Blackhawks fans. The Belarus native has a unique personality and will likely be a locker-room favorite.
Levshunov instantly becomes the top prospect in Chicago's system and headlines the potential new core on the back end that includes Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic.