Artyom Levshunov signs with Blackhawks, will not return to MSU

Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday evening, meaning he will not return for a sophomore season with the Spartans.

Levshunov was taken No. 2 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by Chicago, pairing him with 2023 No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard as foundational franchise building pieces. Levshunov signed with a $975,000 salary cap hit.

"Signing Artyom gives us the opportunity to continue his development in-house and take the next step into professional hockey,” Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson said in a release. “He’s a strong two-way defenseman that has all the tools to be a high-end player in the NHL and we’re excited to continue his growth at the pro level."

It remains to be seen whether Levshunov, who as an 18-year-old became the highest-drafted Belarusian player in the NHL Draft, will start with the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate in Rockford or directly up at the NHL level.

Recent defensemen drafted highly had returned to college for a sophomore season, including 2021 No. 1 overall pick Owen Power, who played at Michigan for two seasons before jumping to the Buffalo Sabres organization.

There was hope Levshunov might follow the same path, but now MSU will look to replace his near point-per-game production on the blue line.

Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on Twitter @Nathaniel_Bott