Connor Bedard Makes NHL Debut with Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are about to give their prized defensive prospect his first shot at NHL action. Artyom Levshunov, the second overall pick in last year’s draft, has gotten the call-up from the minors.

The 19-year-old from Belarus is stepping in for Louis Crevier, who’s headed to injured reserve with a concussion.

Levshunov’s path to the NHL has been pretty remarkable. In his only year at Michigan State, he put up some eye-catching numbers – 9 goals and 35 points in just 38 games. That’s the kind of scoring you don’t often see from a defenseman.

He cleaned up in the awards department too. He was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, won Defensive Player of the Year, and grabbed Freshman of the Year honors. The cherry on top? He made the AHCA West Second All-American Team.

What makes scouts drool over Levshunov is his rare combination of size and skating ability. Add in his offensive skills, and it’s no wonder he was ranked as Chicago’s top prospect before the season started.

But the jump to pro hockey hasn’t been a cakewalk.

After leaving college early, Levshunov’s been learning the ropes in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs. He’s put up 13 points in 38 games – decent numbers for a rookie defenseman, but the Hawks were probably hoping for a bit more.

Now he’ll get his chance to show what he can do at the highest level.

The timing isn’t great for Crevier though. The 22-year-old was having his best NHL season yet, logging nearly 18 minutes per game and putting up 4 points in 23 games before getting hurt against Florida.

If Levshunov impresses in his debut, he might just stick around. That’s how it goes in the NHL – one player’s misfortune becomes another’s big break.

The Blackhawks have been patient with their young talent lately, trying not to rush anyone. But sometimes, you just have to see what you’ve got.