Breaking: Artyom Levshunov of the Chicago Blackhawks is out for four weeks.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been dealt an early-season setback as promising young defenseman Artyom Levshunov is expected to miss the next four weeks due to an injury. The 18-year-old defenseman, who was beginning to find his footing in the NHL after being a standout prospect, will be sidelined with what is believed to be a lower-body injury. The injury occurred during a recent game, and further evaluations have confirmed that Levshunov will require at least a month of recovery.
A Blow to the Blackhawks’ Blue Line
Levshunov’s absence is a significant blow to the Blackhawks, who are in the midst of a rebuild and are heavily relying on the development of their young core. Levshunov, a key part of that future, had shown flashes of potential in the early stages of the season, displaying poise and skill beyond his years.
Known for his strong two-way game, Levshunov was highly regarded coming out of the 2023 NHL Draft and has been a bright spot for the Blackhawks. His vision, puck-moving ability, and defensive instincts were earning him increased minutes as he adapted to the pace of the NHL. His absence leaves a gap in the Blackhawks’ blue line, which has already been thin due to injuries and inexperience.
How the Blackhawks Will Adjust
With Levshunov out for the next month, Chicago will need to adjust its defensive pairings and lean on veterans and depth players to fill the void. Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson will likely rotate younger defensemen into Levshunov’s spot, offering an opportunity for other prospects to gain valuable ice time. However, the team will undoubtedly miss Levshunov’s presence, especially on the power play and in transition play.
One potential player who could see increased ice time is 21-year-old defenseman Alex Vlasic, who has also been developing within the organization. Additionally, the Blackhawks may consider calling up defensemen from their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, to provide reinforcement while Levshunov recovers.
Levshunov’s Road to Recovery
Although missing four weeks is a setback, the Blackhawks are optimistic that Levshunov’s injury won’t derail his development long-term. The team’s medical staff will ensure that he fully recovers before returning to the ice, as they remain cautious with their young talent. Levshunov will likely return to the lineup sometime in mid-October, giving him time to reestablish his role as one of Chicago’s key defensemen for the future.
As the Blackhawks continue to build for the future, the development of players like Levshunov remains critical. For now, the team will need to navigate a tough stretch without one of their top prospects but are hopeful for his speedy recovery.