Blackhawks Plans For Artyom Levshunov's Future in the NHL Revealed
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The Chicago Blackhawks have made an exciting choice in selecting Artyom Levshunov 2nd overall in the NHL Draft. They selected a defenseman who has the upside of a top-pairing defenseman.
The position has come at a premium in the NHL, which makes sense as to why they'd prefer to develop lately.
While the dominant Michigan State defenseman, seems like he could make the adjustment to NHL ice sooner rather than later, the 18-year-old will likely have another future in the works.
It looks like Arty's future in the Blackhawks system will be in the AHL, as the Blackhawks AGM of Player Development, Mark Eaton wants hands-on experience with the defenseman's professional development:
"Being able to be hands-on every single day is a huge bonus," Blackhawks assistant GM of player development Mark Eaton said. "That is the line that we walk with our amateur prospects, is the realization that they all play for other coaches, they all play in different systems, so if we have the ability to have him in-house and our great development staff in Rockford working with him on a daily basis to start to close that gap between where he is and where he needs to go, I think it's only a bonus."
Levshunov could benefit from playing longer in the NCAA, filling out his game mentally, and getting more collegiate training, he will head to the AHL. This is of course, a change of direction, as they've rushed players like Kirby Dach to the NHL in the past.
By sending him to the AHL, the Hawks take control his development and would be priority for the team staff in Rockford. He could end up playing with Frank Nazar and Kevin Korchinski should he get pushed out of the lineup in the NHL.
He'll importantly get more ice time in the AHL while being a phone call away for the club.
They could end up treating his contract like they did Lukas Reichel, if he signs, move the start date to next year and burn his first year if he plays less than ten games in the NHL.
Importantly, the Blackhawks need to consider player control and development for the defenseman's future in the club.
Source: Sports Mockey
Blackhawks Reveal Exciting Plans for For Artyom Levhunov's Upcoming Season
Blackhawks Reveal Exciting Plans for For Artyom Levhunov's Upcoming Season
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