Chicago Blackhawks’ Artyom Levshunov out for few weeks with injury

There is some concerning news for one of the top blueline prospects in the game. The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov will not be participating in practice on Wednesday due to an injury to his right foot.

The team also revealed that Levshunov will not be participating in the upcoming Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase in St. Louis. The former Michigan State standout reportedly took a shot off his foot at a recent practice, and will be in a walking boot for the next few weeks.

It is certainly not an ideal start to prospects camp for Levshunov, who was taken second overall by Chicago in this year’s NHL Draft. The 18-year-old really stood out during his freshman season with the Spartans, posting nine goals and 26 assists for 35 points in 38 games, placing him second among blueliners in the NCAA. His ability to prove he can be a key player was noticeable as Michigan State went on to win the Big Ten regular season and conference tournaments.

Levshunov was named the Big Ten Defensive Player and Freshman of the Year. Along with being placed on the Big Ten First All-Star Team, he earned his way onto the AHCA Second All-American Team.

The 6-foot-2 Belarussian showed he was head-and-shoulders above the competition, so much so that he already signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, which will carry a $925,000 AAV through the 2026-27 season.

Levshunov was on a path to join a rebuilding team in the Windy City, led by reigning Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard. The Blackhawks have a good veteran presence on defense that can help guide Levshunov early on, including Seth Jones and three-time Stanley Cup champion Alec Martinez. TJ Brodie, Alex Vlasic and Connor Murphy are also on a d-corps that has been put together to try and stabilize a team that has struggled in recent years.