The final of the top three picks in the 2024 NHL Draft has signed an entry-level contract, with the Chicago Blackhawks announcing the signing of their No. 2 overall pick. Artyom LevshunovRefshunoff foregoes his sophomore season at Michigan State to compete for a roster spot in the Blackhawks' training camp opener.
The move immediately made Refshunoff the organization's best defensive prospect under contract, and the Blackhawks will now be responsible for his development for the remainder of his contract. Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson praised Refshunoff after the deal:“Signing Artyom gives us the opportunity to continue his development in-house and take the next step into professional hockey. He's a strong two-way defenseman and has all the tools to be a top NHL player, and we're excited to continue his development at the professional level.”” “.
Levshunov joins the Spartans after spending one season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, where he recorded 13 goals and 42 points in 62 games. The young defenseman from Belarus has significantly grown his game since reaching the NCAA ranks, recording nine goals and 35 points in 38 games and earning a +27 rating. At the conclusion of the 2023-24 NCAA season, Levshunov was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and All-Big Ten Freshman Team, as well as being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
With Refshunoff at the helm, the Spartans also had their best season in recent memory. Michigan State finished in first place in the conference for the first time since the 2000–01 season and defeated rival Michigan in the conference championship. Unfortunately for Refshunoff and the Spartans, the team suffered retribution at the hands of the Wolverines in the 2024 Frozen Four regional finals, ending their season.
The Blackhawks organization may be better off using Refshunoff as a starter in the American Hockey League for their Rockford IceHogs affiliate, as he would be able to get plenty of ice time in the AHL and gain confidence playing at the pro level before joining a Chicago team ready to take the next step in their rebuild.
