Blackhawks tried to move up to No. 4 – NBC Sports Chicago

The Blackhawks front office has debated internally for weeks over how they would exercise the second pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. After heated debates, they decided to sign defenseman Artyom Levshunov from Michigan State.

But after making that pick at the Las Vegas Sphere, the Blackhawks reportedly tried to get back into the top picks of the draft, offering the Columbus Blue Jackets a trade offer for their 4th pick.

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Blackhawks offered their unprotected 2025 first-round pick, along with another pick, in exchange for the No. 4 pick. LeBrun says the trade came close, but the Blue Jackets couldn’t pass up Cayden Lindstrom, who they took with the fourth pick.

Presumably, the Blackhawks were aiming to grab heavyweight Ivan Demidov, who the Blackhawks debated choosing with the No. 2 pick over Levshunov. They attempted to grab both players, but ultimately landed on Levshunov.

Levshunov was the Blackhawks’ second-overall pick and it’s a decision that was made weeks ago.

“I just think about the whole package,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said of why Levshunov was selected. “Offensively, he can run the offence, he can skate, he’s super mobile, he’s got good size, he’s aggressive, he’s a physical defenceman and we just think there’s more potential to come.”

MORE: Why the Blackhawks felt Artyom Levshunov was the right pick at No. 2

“The package and the growth potential going forward was just intriguing and we really thought it would make us a much better organization.”

The Blackhawks were enamored with Levshunov this season and had regularly scouted him at Michigan State. Their love for him has only grown over time, and it’s not hard to see why.

Levshunov had very good results as a freshman, with 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games. The year before, he had 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists) in 62 games for the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers.

“You see the way he skates and his size, for a big guy, he can move around the ice so well, and he’s very friendly with the puck and he’s ultra-competitive,” Blackhawks director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey said. “He just kept making the moves.

“Everybody thought he was going to go back to Green Bay, and then he ended up going to Michigan State and he was able to elevate his game against guys 3, 4, 5 years older than him and not miss a beat. USHL.

“And then once you meet him off the ice, he’s an engaging personality, his character, the way he treats people, that’s just what we’re all about.”

Physically, Levshunov appears ready for the NHL; he is 6 feet 1.75 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. But the Blackhawks believe there is still more room to grow.

“I think he’s really behind, even though he’s big,” Doneghey said. “You see him and he’s got long arms and long legs; he just hasn’t practiced in North America. In August, he goes to Michigan State, so he hasn’t even had a college workout like most kids. I just think he’s got high potential.”

The big question now is where Levshunov will play next season. Will he return to Michigan State for a second season or turn pro and play in the AHL?

The Blackhawks seem to have already thought about it.

“I’ll probably talk to (his agent) Dan Milstein and give him our idea of ​​what we’re thinking and what we think is the best path,” Davidson said. “We’ll let him hear that first.”

With this pick, Levshunov instantly becomes the top prospect in Chicago’s system and projects to become one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He could very well headline a new backcourt that includes Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic.

“With his size, mobility and aggressive nature, Levshunov is a great addition to the group,” Davidson said. “But he’s also a great puck player and his ability to turn defence into offence. He’s a great addition to the group.”

The Blackhawks don’t just believe Levshunov could be a top defenseman. They believe he has all the tools to be a number one defenseman, which is what every Stanley Cup contender needs.

“He definitely has that potential, yes,” Davidson said. “It’s just the complete package. The ability to play on both sides of the puck, the potential, the physicality. I think he still has a way to go physically to develop and become even stronger than him, which is pretty scary to think about.

“But I just think the ability to impact the game on both sides of the puck and log big minutes, which I believe he will do at the NHL level.”

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