One of the Chicago Blackhawks‘ most exciting prospects will make his NHL debut tonight during Anders Sorensen’s team matchup with Nathan MacKinnon and the star-studded Colorado Avalanche roster. Ahead of a challenging game in the Mile High city, Chicago’s head coach delivered a strong message to the team’s debuting rookie.
Sorensen and the Blackhawks have started to see some fruits of their hard work this season. However, the team still has a long road ahead to become a serious NHL contender and climb out of the league’s basement.
The Blackhawks have to start somewhere, and it seems like the right time for the organization’s top prospect to make his NHL debut. Artyom Levshunov, the second overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, will make his first start in Chicago’s lineup as the Hawks take on MacKinnon’s Avalanche on March 10.
As their name suggests, Colorado will come in waves at Chicago, aiming to assert their dominance from the start at Ball Arena. It will be quite the litmus test for Levshunov’s debut, but Sorensen had a clear message for the rookie.
Artyom Levshunov poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks with the second overall pick during the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Let’s get after it, right? This is the NHL. If you want to play in the NHL, you’ve got to play the best,” Sorensen stated before puckdrop in Denver, via Chicago Sun-Times.
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Butterflies in the stomach
The hard work has led to this moment. As he gears up for his rookie lap around the rink in Denver, Levshunov reflected on his feelings, just hours away from fulfilling his lifelong dream.
“I’ve dreamed about this all my hockey life,” Levshunov said. “It’s unbelievable to make my debut tonight. It’s incredible.”
Great company
Levshunov possesses an incredible skillset, which led him to be selected with the second overall pick by the Blackhawks in the Draft. However, the nerves could still get the better out of him in such an emotional night, especially when across the ice stands a team with stars on every line.
Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Canada takes questions during media day ahead of the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Luckily for Levshunov, he will be helped throughout the night by a Stanley Cup champion defenseman, as Alec Martinez will play alongside the rookie against the Avalanche.
