5 dynamic forward prospects for Blackhawks fans to know before the 2024 NHL Draft

Nikita Artamonov, LW/Nizhny Novgorod

A versatile winger with a decent 5’11, 187 lbs frame, Nikita Artamonov is also one of the older prospects heading into the draft. A solid season for the MHL’s Chaika Nizhny Novgorod in 2022-23 saw him finish with 29 points and 11 goals in 41 contests, plus an additional 10 points and two goals in 17 postseason games. 

His performance was good enough for him to earn a chance with the KHL’s Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod this past season, where he again played well, accumulating 23 points and seven goals in 54 contests. He also saw significant time in the MHL during the postseason, snagging six goals and 10 points in 11 games. 

Although listed as a left winger on Elite Prospects, Tanakthon’s rankings have him slated as someone who could also play right wing. This would give the Blackhawks a versatile winger, but they could also fill that need exclusively for left wing here as well. 

Since he’s slated to land somewhere between Rounds 1 and 2, Artamonov would likely end up in the Blackhawks system if his stock rose by draft day or if Chicago used their second-round pick on him. Either way, Artamonov will eventually come to North America with more than enough experience playing professional hockey, but he will need to get used to the North American game.