The Blackhawks officially shock everyone with second overall pick announcement

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Joshua Deeds
June 28, 2024 (7:24 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have made a selection in the NHL Entry Draft, in Las Vegas.

Their first selection in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks was announced by GM Kyle Davidson tonight.

The Blackhawks have selected Michigan State University defenseman, 2nd overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

It appears they will pass on Ivan Demidov and shore up their blueline, with this future #1 pairing defenseman.

most recently played 38 games with the Spartans, scoring 35 points( 9 G, 26 A) with a plus/minus of +27.

Artyom Levshunov
Defense
Born Oct 28 2005 -- Zhlobin, Belarus
Height 6.02 -- Weight 208 -- Shoots R

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
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2022-23 Green Bay Gamblers USHL 62 13 29 42 38 3 0 1 1 0
2023-24 Michigan State University Big-1 38 9 26 35 44
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is expected to be a top defenseman in the NHL when fully developed, and has skills that will make an impact in all-areas of the ice.

He can hit and shoot, and is a competent defenseman:

Central Scouting - Apr. 16th: "A smooth-skating defenseman with high-end puck skills. Uses his size, strength and reach as assets to effectively defend in the defensive zone and has a good grasp of positioning and coverage. Quick and agile skater who jumps up into plays and also has a strong backward stride to defend effectively against rushes."

Kyle Davidson has effectively strengthened the blueline for the future, with this selection.