DENVER — Artyom Levshunov, a defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, was calm and composed as he prepared to make his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night. The anticipation was there, but any pregame jitters were absent for the talented young player who was drafted second overall in 2024.
“Why let nerves get to me?” Levshunov remarked nonchalantly. “It’s just another hockey game, and all I have to do is focus, play strong, and do my job.”
With a challenging debut on the horizon, Levshunov, a 19-year-old hailing from Belarus, was undaunted by the prospect of taking on hockey stars Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and the rest of the fast-paced Avalanche squad. Partnering with veteran defenseman Alec Martinez, Levshunov aimed to rise to the challenge.
“They’re a formidable team with many skilled players,” Levshunov stated. “To match them, I know I have to elevate my play.”
Facing a high-scoring team like Colorado can be an opportunity for growth and confidence-building. Second-year forward Connor Bedard acknowledged this, noting, “Facing top players like Makar and Nate really sets the tone. Every game presents its challenges, with talented players on every team.”
The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Levshunov had been sidelined at the season’s start due to a fractured right foot. He returned recently from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League, where he recorded five goals and 17 assists over 50 games.
“Playing in the NHL has been a lifelong dream,” Levshunov expressed, reflecting on his entry-level contract with Chicago, signed in July after a stellar year at Michigan State, which earned him the title of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. “I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m thrilled and eager to play.”
When asked for advice, Bedard’s suggestion to Levshunov was simple: appreciate the moment and play his natural game. “We’re not putting any additional pressure on him,” Bedard explained. “There’s always a learning curve, but we know his potential and are excited to see him play.”
