The Chicago Blackhawks have spent the past several seasons drafting and building around young talent, and Artyom Levshunov is expected to be a major part of that future.
Selected second overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Levshunov has already shown flashes of his offensive ability that made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in his draft class. His skating, puck movement, and willingness to join the rush make him an exciting young defenseman with plenty of upside for Chicago.
However, while his offensive potential is evident, his development in the defensive zone remains just as important, and Blackhawks fans are looking for it.
If Levshunov is going to become the top-pairing defenseman the Blackhawks envisioned when they drafted him, then he will need to complement his offensive instincts with greater consistency and reliability in the defensive zone.
Levshunov’s Offensive Potential Is Clear
One of the most exciting aspects of Levshunov’s game is his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line.
During the 2025-26 season, Levshunov recorded 24 points in 68 games, including 2 goals and 22 assists. These numbers don’t jump off the page, but they are encouraging for a young defenseman playing in his first extended NHL season.
Levshunov’s greatest offensive strength is his skating. He has the ability to move the puck up the ice, join the rush and create opportunities through his mobility.
His willingness to get involved offensively showed up on Oct. 15, when he scored the overtime winner against the Winnipeg Jets in a 4-3 win.
The goal offered another glimpse of the offensive impact Levushnov can provide. However, becoming a reliable NHL defender requires more than producing points and creating scoring opportunities.
For a Blackhawks team looking to build a competitive roster around its young core, Levshunov’s ability to contribute at both ends of the ice will be critical.
Defensive Consistency Remains a Concern
While Levshunov has demonstrated offensive upside, his defensive game remains a work in progress.
During the 2025-26 season, Levshunov finished with a minus-41 rating and recorded 88 giveaways. Those numbers raise questions about his consistency, although they must also be considered in the context of a struggling Blackhawks team.
Not every giveaway results in a scoring opportunity, and plus-minus alone cannot accurately measure a defenseman’s performance. However, Levshunov’s decision-making and positioning are areas that still require improvement.
One challenge for an offensive-minded defenseman is knowing when to join the attack and when to stay in a defensive position.
Levshunov’s skating allows him to be aggressive with the puck, but that aggression can create problems when a play breaks down. Poorly timed pinches or turnovers near the offensive blue line can leave teammates defending odd-man rushes.
His defensive-zone awareness is equally important. Reading developing plays, maintaining proper positioning and making quick decisions under pressure are responsibilities that become increasingly more difficult against skilled NHL forwards.
These are not unusual challenges for young defensemen. Levshunov is still learning how to balance his offensive instincts with the defensive responsibilities that come with playing significant NHL minutes. The Blackhawks should encourage his creativity while helping him recognize when a simpler, safer play is better.
Chicago Needs a Complete Defenseman
Levshunov’s development is critical to the Blackhawks’ long-term plans.
Chicago selected him second overall because he could become an elite, impactful defenseman. However, meeting that expectation will require him to develop into a player the team can trust in all situations.
Through his first 11 games of the 2026-27 season, Levshunov averaged more than 20 minutes of ice time per game. That level of responsibility provides valuable experience but also exposes him to the challenges of defending against established top NHL talent.
One encouraging sign is his increased involvement on the penalty kill. After averaging just 31 seconds of shorthanded ice time per game during the 2025-56 season, Levshunov has averaged approximately 96 seconds through his first 12 games of the 2026-27 season.
Those added defensive responsibilities will play an important role in his development against the league’s top power plays. Learning to defend without the puck, anticipating passing lanes and maintaining position under pressure will help him become a more dependable player.
Chicago must also remain patient. Defensemen often require time to develop, particularly those who enter the NHL with high offensive expectations.
The goal should not be to eliminate Levshunov’s offensive instincts. His skating and creativity are what make him such an exciting prospect in the first place. Instead, the Blackhawks need to help him understand when to use those abilities and when to prioritize defensive responsibility.
The Next Step in His Development
Levshunov has the tools to become a major piece of Chicago’s future, but the team needs a defenseman who can be dependable in his own zone, especially as the organization looks to move beyond the rebuilding stage.
At 21, Levshunov has plenty of time to develop those habits. His offensive ability has already provided reasons to be optimistic, but becoming a complete defenseman will ultimately determine whether he reaches his potential as a second overall pick and a more reliable defenseman for the Blackhawks.
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