On Saturday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they've agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract worth $2.925 million ($975,000 cap hit) with 2024 second-overall pick Artyom Levshunov.
Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson commented on the signing on Saturday afternoon, saying that inking Levshunov to his entry-level deal allows the team to develop him right away in their system and he believes the Belarusian has all the tools to become a high-end player int he National Hockey League one day.
Levshunov, a native of Zhlobin, Belarus, spent the 2023-24 season in the NCAA with Michigan State University and was nearly a point-per-game player during his freshman campaign. In 38 games, the 18-year-old put up 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists), 44 penalty minutes and was a plus-27.
It's still unclear where Levshunov begins the 2024-25 season because it's all dependent on how the team feels during training camp. While he'll likely make his NHL debut at some point during the year and could eventually find his way onto the Blackhawks' roster, it seems like he'll find himself with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs to start the season.
POLL | ||
6 JUILLET | 144 ANSWERS Blackhawks sign 2024 second-overall pick Artyom Levshunov Where should Artyom Levshunov start the 2024-25 season? | ||
Chicago (NHL) | 53 | 36.8 % |
Rockford (AHL) | 91 | 63.2 % |
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