Chicago Blackhawks call up top prospect Artyom Levshunov

The Chicago Blackhawks added Spencer Knight as their goaltender of the future before the trade deadline and the moves continue to try and keep Connor Bedard happy. The Blackhawks made another move that should appease their franchise star, calling up 2024 second-overall pick, Artyom Levshunov.

Levshunov, a right-handed defenseman who will likely see a ton of ice-time without Seth Jones in the lineup, recorded five goals and 22 points in 50 AHL games this season. Levshunov leads all AHL rookies with 137 shots on goal, and has recently been heating up in the minors, tallying three goals and 11 points in his last 14 games.

This is the second time that Levshunov has been recalled by the Blackhawks this season, however in his first stint with the big club, the young blueliner only saw practice time and was never inserted into the lineup. 

Levshunov is expected to make his NHL debut on Monday night against the Colorado Avalanche. The 6-foot-2 defenceman is a product of Michigan State University, where last season he recorded 35 points in 38 NCAA games. 

Levshunov is a massive part of the Blackhawks's future and they can't miss on his development, as Bedard is certainly starting to get frustrated with the team's lack of growth, and there's some concern if things don't turn around for next season, there could be trouble in paradise in Chicago.

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images