Blackhawks Activate Top Prospect Artyom Levshunov
The Chicago Blackhawks have made a significant move, activating 18-year-old defenseman Artyom Levshunov from injured reserve. Levshunov, the second overall pick in this year’s NHL draft, had been sidelined with a fractured right foot sustained during an offseason tournament.
A Glimpse into Levshunov’s Journey
Levshunov’s road to recovery has been a long one. After undergoing an MRI, he was forced to miss training camp and the start of the season. Despite the setback, he remained committed to his rehabilitation, often skating alone with the team’s skills coach. “It was a little boring,” Levshunov admitted, “but today, I’m excited to get back with the team.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The Belarus native has already shown tremendous promise, recording nine goals and 26 assists in his sole season at Michigan State. His impressive performance earned him the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards. In July, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, carrying a $975,000 cap hit.
Learning from the Best
While Levshunov was out, he gained valuable experience by being around the NHL team. Coach Luke Richardson praised his eagerness to learn, saying, “He’s a talker. He loves to spend time talking to people, which is great. It’s going to help probably his language barrier and just comfort zone.” Richardson also noted that Levshunov’s participation in team meetings and learning the system will aid in his integration into the organization.
Injury Updates
In other news, defenseman Alec Martinez is progressing from a right groin injury. Richardson stated that while there is no exact timeline for his return, Martinez will likely join the team on their upcoming five-game road trip. The Blackhawks will play their next two games at home, including Tuesday’s matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, before embarking on their road trip.
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