No. 2 Pick Artyom Levshunov, Other Blackhawks 2024 Draftees En Route To Chicago For Development Camp

Personable Artyom Levshunov may have the nickname "Artie The Party," but the defenseman and No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft is a dedicated gym rat.

Albeit a man-sized 6-foot-2, 210-pound gym rat already at age 18.

Levshunov should have a terrific time in Chicago starting Monday when the Blackhawks Development Camp opens at the team's training facility, the Fifth Third Arena. Coach Luke Richardson, a fitness monster at age 55, will be able to put 30 prospects —mostly members of the team's 2024 and 2023 draft classes — through their paces for five days.

Blackhawks 2023 first-round draftee Oliver Moore at prospect camp in July 2023. Carlson Photo

The camp doesn't include skating, just all types off off-ice training and preparation for the 2024-25 season. Some sessions are intense, others focus on more subtle mental skills. In past years, Richardson — a former NHL defenseman who fought 130 times in his 22 year career — gleefully includes boxing sessions.

Most players are afraid to get near Richardson, in this case with gloves on.

Youngsters who have already netted full-time NHL jobs, such as Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski, won't attend. Several players who are on the cusp of graduating from AHL Rockford to the Blackhawks also aren't on the camp roster.

But for those who haven't secured pro position, the camp is a must. That includes mostly recent Chicago draftees who are headed back to junior and collegiate teams.

Frank Nazar celebrates his first NHL goal. USA Today Network, Jamie Sabau

Heading the list of collegiate prospects are University of Minnesota sophomores and roommates Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel. Moore, a speedy center, was rated as the top prospect by THN's 2024 Future Watch and Rinzel, a defenseman, was rated fourth

Forward Frank Nazar III, who made his NHL debut with three games in April, also is on the development camp roster. Nazar scored his first goal in his first game on April 14 versus Carolina after signing from the University of Michigan.