Artyom Levshunov is turning into the star he was drafted to be

This Chicago Blackhawks season has gone far better than I, or most anyone, could have expected. Numerous individuals deserve praise for their contributions to elevating this team, from head coach Jeff Blashill to Connor Bedard and beyond. However, one young player that I expected to develop slowly this season has recently burst onto the scene like a raging bull in a china shop. Uncoordinated and awkward at times, but with a stroke of genius behind his mad style of play, Artyom Levshunov has amazed me so far.

It wasn't long ago that Levshunov was drafted second overall by the Blackhawks. If you recall, that summer leading up to the draft, there was a relatively lively debate over who the Blackhawks ought to pick between Levshunov and Demidov. This isn't scientific, but I would venture to say that about 75% of the fan base wanted Demidov and only 25% wanted Levshunov. Ultimately, the man whose opinion actually matters on such decisions was in that 25%, and so Kyle Davidson made his pick.  

I must admit that I also wanted Demidov. I recall sitting on my couch back home in Crown Point, Indiana, and, as the Blackhawks were poised to make their selection, murmuring, "Demidov... Demidov... c'mon, Demidov," under my breath. When the call was "Levshunov," I sighed with frustration, but turned to my family and said that I understood the pick, but it wouldn't have been my choice. Like so many things in my life, I may have been wrong to be so cynical.

Levshunov's Improvement

Levshunov has been tremendous this season. Despite a somewhat rocky start, he is turning into the puck-moving, top power-play, offensively minded game changer that Davidson envisioned. Especially in the game against Toronto this past Saturday, he was brilliant, nearly netting his first NHL goal multiple times. What has impressed me most about the young D-man's game has been his confidence and willingness to be creative with the puck on his stick. Does that mean that he sometimes makes head-scratching plays? Sure. But he also makes brilliant plays that only a few guys would have the guts even to attempt, let alone pull off.

As the season continues, I expect Levshunov to get an even bigger role as Blashill's trust in him grows. And with added responsibility, he will continue to develop his all-around defensive game. The fact that he has grown into a dependable factor each night this quickly is incredibly encouraging.  

And while I don't know what kind of player he will be at his apex, I see him in the same vein as a guy like Dougie Hamilton, as he is big, fast, and offensively minded, with the capacity to take over a game. The great news is that the Blackhawks have so many talented young blue-liners that if Levshunov tops out as just a really solid first-pairing defenseman, they will still be in a great position to win games and compete for the playoffs.

It is also significant that Levshunov's development path has been very unique. He has changed leagues every single year, going from Belarus to the NCAA with Michigan State, to the AHL with Rockford, and now to the NHL with the Blackhawks. For a player who has had such a whirlwind of an early hockey career (not to mention while trying to learn the English language... good luck, kid. I can barely speak this wacky language and I was born here), Levshunov's ability to adapt has been nothing short of remarkable.

I'm rooting so hard for this kid because he is just so likable. We often talk about guys being "easy to root for," and the young Belarusian is the epitome of that feeling. In a few years, I think fans who felt the way I did about the Demidov/Levshunov decision will be awfully happy with how things will have turned out. After all, I am already a convert to the "Arty-Party."