After a close, 3-2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators, the Chicago Blackhawks decided it’s time to call up one of their most highly-anticipated prospects into their NHL lineup. The future star could make his debut in Anders Sorensen’s team, and along Connor Bedard during Chicago’s upcoming game against the Colorado Avalanche.
Chicago has seen some positive development signs on the young roster as of late. Though they still struggle at closing out the games, the Hawks are riding a five-game point streak, with three wins and two overtime losses during that stretch.
However, the team in the Windy City is looking to take the next step, and it starts with developing their talented pool of prospects. Ahead of a big matchup against the Avalanche, Sorensen and the Blackhawks called up the NHL’s 2024 draft second overall selection, Artyom Levshunov.
The Blackhawks decided it’s time for the 19-year-old defenseman to join Bedard‘s team, after playing with the AHL affiliate, the Rockford Ice Hogs.
Artyom Levshunov is selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the second overall pick during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Turned it up a notch
The Belarusian blueliner struggled with the Ice Hogs during the early part of the AHL season, though such challenges were expected as he first experienced hockey across the Atlantic.
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Recently, Levshunov has found his footing in Rockford, registering 11 points in his last 14 games, before earning the call-up to the Blackhawks, where Sorensen, Bedard, and the rest of the team anxiously waited for his arrival.
Tall order
After Seth Jones’ departure to the Florida Panthers, the Blackhawks’ blue line is in need of someone to step up and fill the void. Levshunov may not be expected to do so, as he’s about to make his debut in the league. Still, the team is hopeful that the rookie can bring a fresh wave of energy and help the struggling group finish the season strong.
After the loss to the Predators, Sorensen admitted the struggles in the defensemen department, and he voiced a clear message for Levshunov to listen closely to.
Interim head coach Anders Sorensen of the Chicago Blackhawks speaks to the media after losing to the Winnipeg Jets at the United Center on December 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
“First period, we looked sleepy or tired or a combination of the two,” Sorensen stated. “Second period was good. Third period…[we] gave up too many pucks around the lines, which led to rush chances against, which led to too much zone time.”
