Levshunov making his push for Blackhawks
The No. 2 pick by Chicago in the 2024 NHL Draft, Levshunov is making the most of his rookie season, leading Blackhawks defensemen with 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 41 games. He has 53 shots on goal, second among their defensemen behind Louis Crevier (62), and he’s averaging 18:30 of ice time per game, third among their defensemen behind Alex Vlasic (21:02) and Wyatt Kaiser (19:19), Levshunov’s usual partner.
“We’re getting a little mojo back, we’re playing off each other,” Kaiser said. “He’s hopping up in the rush; he’s trying to make things happen. I don’t know if it’s a confidence thing or just kind of ebbs and flows of the season but it’s good. Everybody sees it, right?”
It’s been a big jump in a short amount of time. Levshunov started last season with Rockford, the Blackhawks’ American Hockey League affiliate, where he had 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) in 52 games. He was recalled to Chicago in early March and had six assists in 18 games and plenty of his ups and downs.
That’s understandable for the then 19-year-old, said Vlasic, who is 24, and in his third full season in the NHL.
“I think it takes a couple of years, to be honest with you. I feel I’m still learning stuff, still figuring out how to fit in this League and all the ins and outs,” Vlasic said. “It’ll take a little bit longer for him to get even better, which is exciting. He has so much potential and you can tell he’s just starting to feel more comfortable, starting to feel out situations better. We’re trying our best to help him out with that.”
