Best Guess: Blackhawks Want Levshunov in Rockford, Not at Michigan State

The Chicago Blackhawks made a big splash on Friday night, making three first-round picks in the 2024 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks picked defenseman Arytom Levshunov at No. 2 , center Sacha Boisvert at No. 18 , and left winger Marek Vanacker at No. 27 . The Blackhawks traded into the first round for pick #27.

Following the first round, Kyle Davidson spoke to the media and revealed an intriguing note regarding Artyom Levshunov's upcoming development. Per Davidson, the Blackhawks already know where they want Levshunov to play in 2024-25, but will speak with his agent and Levshunov first before anything is officially decided.

Our best guess? The Blackhawks want Levshunov to turn pro, but to play down in Rockford. Per the Blackhawks, Levshunov is " behind the curve " on where he could be as an 18-year-old. Although that can come off as a bad thing, it shows that he's already a top talent without the proper development that many players undergo leading into the NHL. Ideally, getting him to turn pro and play top-defenseman minutes with the IceHogs where the Hawks can easily monitor him is what the team wants.

Going back to college wouldn't be the worst move for Levshunov, but getting him in Rockford allows him to be on a NHL workout program and play in every situation possible while being able to make mistakes as he learns. Ideally, the Alex Vlasic approach is exactly what Chicago wants to do with their right-handed defenseman of the future.

If Levshunov goes to the AHL and has an outstanding year, he could be up with the Hawks later in the season. Worst case, he would be able to start the 2025-26 season in Chicago after a full year of development in Rockford.

It is an intriguing thought considering where Levshunov will play. His agent will surely have some say along with Levshunov, but getting him into a pro system and focusing on just hockey is likely what Kyle Davidson wants for their defenseman with such a high ceiling.

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