Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State University Defense 6’2” 205 lbs
Highlights
Background
Levshunov is a right-handed defender from Belarus who made his transition to North America for the 2022-2023 season when he was drafted in the 8th round of the USHL by the Green Bay Gamblers. In his first season, he made a huge impact, putting up 42 points (13-29) in 62 games (which could be enough for 5th among defenders in scoring) and starting to put himself on the map. The following year, he transferred to Michigan State University, and this is where he put himself in the conversation for one of the top defenders in this year's draft. In 38 games, he put up 35 points (9-26), 2nd on MSU in scoring and 9th among defenders in the NCAA, and finished the year with a plus-27 rating. He would help lead the Spartans to the Big Ten Championship, but his season would come to an end with a quarterfinal loss to Michigan in the National Tournament.
Postive Scouting Report
Levshunov has been touted as one of the best defenders in this draft class and shows the best chance at being the number one guy in the future. He comes in at the ideal size for a defenseman, which has every GM hoping he falls to their pick in the draft. What is impressive about Levshunov is how he involves himself in every play when he is on the ice. For his size and style of play, he shows great skating ability, and with his quick speed, he has no problem leading the rush into the offensive zone. With this skill, he makes his opponents have to respect his game and keeps them on their toes, trying to guess if he is going to carry the play himself or if he’s going to look them off and feed his teammates. What makes him dangerous as a defender is his ability to get back into the play and use his size to punish his opponents. He shows great play-killing abilities in both his own zone and the neutral zone, which will surely frustrate the other team when trying to get their attack going.
Negative Scouting Report
While showing great potential, Levshunov still shows signs of needing to improve on his defensive decision-making. He falls into the offensive defenseman category, and with his eagerness to jump into the play on the offensive side of things, When he does this, it leaves a lot of opportunities for the odd man to break the other way. While he does show a great defensive mind, he still needs to work on his defensive game. There are times that he gets a bit too comfortable and gets caught flat-footed, or he will give his opponents too much space to work with. Of course, these are all things that will be addressed by the team that selects him. A few scouts have also noted how he tends to overcomplicate things and looks to make more of a highlight reel-type move instead of the safe and easy option. All habits that can easily be broken over time.
Final Thoughts
Artyom Levshunov has all the makings of a future top-two pairing defender and has the potential to even be a number one guy as well. Scouts and coaches praise his hard work ethic and being extremely coachable. He’s just not getting high marks for his on-ice mentality but also for his off-ice attitude as well. He was one of the talks of the NHL, combined with the personality and humor he showed when speaking with media and teams. What makes him so attractive, especially to a team like the Hawks, is that he has such high potential and is a right-handed shot, something the team desperately needs to build up in their system. Could he be the answer for the Hawks at 2? He could be, but one thing is for sure: wherever he does end up, he’s going to be well worth the risk.
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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