WATCH: Artyom Levshunov Scores First Pro Goal
Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Blackhawks fans braving the 90-minute drive to Rockford on Friday night got to see the big club get one step closer to the future. No. 2 overall draft pick from 2024 Artyom Levshunov scored his first goal for the IceHogs with a game-tying third-period tally.
Artyom Levshunov has his first professional goal 🚨pic.twitter.com/FsqL3j28NX
— Four Feathers Podcast (@FourFeathersPod) November 9, 2024
The top defenseman prospect — ranked No. 6 in the NHL and first among defensemen by Elite Prospects in August — got rewarded for a slow-ish but strong start in Rockford. He has just two points in five games following the goal, but crucially, leads the team’s blueline in shots with 17. He’s getting involved offensively.
After posting one of the best seasons for a freshman defenseman in NCAA history (nine goals and 35 points in 38 games for Michigan State), it’s nice to see Levshunov adjusting well to the pro game. And he’s not the only prospect who’s having a solid start in Rockford.
2022 first-round pick Frank Nazar now has four goals and eight points in his first eight games, excelling in his first real taste of pro hockey after jumping from Michigan. Colton Dach, the big centerman from the second round of the 2021 Draft, is building on his rookie AHL season with three goals and seven points of his own.
Watching a losing streak in Chicago might not feel great now, but the rewards are coming. Trust us.
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