Artyom Levshunov Bio
Artyom Andreyevich Levshunov is a Belarusian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenceman for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 28, 2005, in Zhlobin, Belarus, he stands 188 cm tall and weighs 94 kg. He was selected second overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, becoming the highest-drafted Belarusian player in NHL history. Levshunov made his NHL debut on March 10, 2025, after completing one season of college hockey with Michigan State University.
Before turning professional, Levshunov developed through the Belarusian junior system and the United States Hockey League (USHL) before committing to Michigan State. His rapid rise from a 16-year-old USHL rookie to a top-two NHL draft pick in just over two years has drawn attention across the league. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on July 6, 2024.
Early Life and Background
Artyom Andreyevich Levshunov was born on October 28, 2005, in Zhlobin, a city in the Gomel Region of Belarus. He grew up in a country with a strong tradition of ice hockey, a sport that has long served as a national pastime in Belarus. From an early age, Levshunov trained within the Belarusian youth development system, where he developed the foundational skills that would later define his game.
During the 2021–22 season, Levshunov played for the Belarus under-18 team in the second-tier Belarusian Vysshaya Liga, recording 25 goals and 38 assists in 63 games. That performance marked him as one of the most promising young defencemen in his home country and set the stage for his move to North America. His size, combined with his offensive instincts, made him an attractive prospect for junior leagues overseas.
Although details about his formal education are not widely documented, Levshunov chose the development route common to many top North American prospects: competing in a junior league while preparing for a college career. His commitment to balancing hockey and academics reflected a mature approach uncommon for a teenager in his position.
Path to Hockey
Levshunov’s path to professional hockey began in earnest when he was selected 111th overall by the Green Bay Gamblers in the eighth round of the 2022 United States Hockey League (USHL) Phase II Draft. Although the pick was a late-round selection, it gave him the opportunity to compete in one of the premier development leagues in the United States. He debuted with the Gamblers as a 16-year-old, speaking very little English at the time.
Despite the language barrier, Levshunov quickly adjusted to the North American game. On November 9, 2022, he earned his first USHL Defenceman of the Week award after recording two goals and three assists in two games. He collected a second Defenceman of the Week honor on March 20, 2023, with four points in two games. He finished the 2022–23 USHL season with 13 goals, ranking third among all USHL defencemen, and was named to both the USHL First All-Rookie Team and the Third All-USHL Team.
Following his strong USHL campaign, Levshunov committed to play college ice hockey at Michigan State University in the summer of 2023. He made his collegiate debut on October 7, 2023, against Lake Superior State, and recorded his first goal and assist the following day. Over the 2023–24 season, he totaled nine goals and 26 assists in 38 games, finishing ninth in total points among NCAA defencemen. His performance earned him the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Artyom Levshunov Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
Levshunov’s early professional development unfolded across two continents, beginning in the Belarusian Vysshaya Liga before transitioning to the USHL. His time with the Green Bay Gamblers established him as a dynamic two-way defenceman capable of contributing offensively while remaining responsible in his own zone. The recognition he received through weekly awards and postseason team selections underscored his rapid adjustment to the North American style of play.
At Michigan State University, Levshunov elevated his game against older competition in the NCAA. His 35 points in 38 games as a freshman placed him among the top defencemen in college hockey. The combination of his scoring touch, poise under pressure, and physical presence positioned him as a leading candidate for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
2024 NHL Entry Draft (2024)
On draft night, Levshunov was selected second overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, making him the highest-drafted Belarusian player in NHL history. The selection reflected the Blackhawks’ confidence in his potential to become a top-pairing defenceman. Shortly after the draft, on July 6, 2024, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the organization.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2024–Present)
Levshunov’s first summer as a professional was disrupted when he fractured his foot blocking a shot during a three-on-three tournament. He skated for over a month before an MRI at Blackhawks training camp revealed the injury, leading to a six-week recovery that included two weeks in a walking boot. He was placed on injured reserve on October 4, 2024, missing training camp, the preseason, and the season-opener.
On October 22, 2024, Levshunov was activated off injured reserve and assigned to the Blackhawks’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, to continue his development. He made his NHL debut on March 10, 2025, against the Colorado Avalanche, logging 20 minutes and 55 seconds of ice time in a 3–0 loss. That appearance marked the realization of a journey that began in Zhlobin just over a decade earlier.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although primarily a hockey player rather than a race-car driver, Levshunov’s on-ice style draws on mobility, puck-moving ability, and an active stick in the defensive zone. He is known for his smooth skating, strong hockey sense, and willingness to join the offensive rush. His combination of size and skill allows him to win battles along the boards while contributing meaningfully to his team’s transition game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Levshunov’s most notable milestones include being named the highest-drafted Belarusian player in NHL history at second overall in 2024, his Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor, and his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche in March 2025. Earlier, he helped Belarus win gold at the 2022 World Junior Championships Division I Group A tournament, recording two assists in five games.
Artyom Levshunov Career Wins
Levshunov’s competitive résumé features team success at the international junior level and individual accolades across the USHL and NCAA. While he has not yet accumulated professional league wins at the NHL level, his development has been marked by consistent recognition from coaches and league officials.
International Highlights
Levshunov debuted internationally with the Belarus junior team at the 2022 World Junior Championships in the Division I Group A tournament. He helped the squad capture a gold medal, contributing two assists in five games. The victory provided an early signal of his ability to perform on an international stage.
Other Wins & Performances
In the USHL, Levshunov twice earned Defenceman of the Week honors during the 2022–23 season and was named to the USHL First All-Rookie Team and Third All-USHL Team. At Michigan State, he was recognized as both the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, confirming his status as one of the top young defencemen in the NCAA.
Artyom Levshunov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Levshunov’s parents and immediate family is not widely documented. He grew up in Zhlobin, Belarus, and his early hockey development was supported by the Belarusian youth system, though specific family influences on his career have not been publicly detailed.
Personal Life
Levshunov has not publicly disclosed information regarding a spouse or children. He relocated from Belarus to the United States as a teenager to pursue his hockey development, first with the Green Bay Gamblers and later at Michigan State University. He now resides in the Chicago area as a member of the Blackhawks organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Levshunov’s first full year as a professional within the Chicago Blackhawks organization. After recovering from a fractured foot, he began the season on injured reserve before being assigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. His assignment to the AHL affiliate reflected the Blackhawks’ long-term development plan for their top defensive prospect.
Levshunov made his NHL debut on March 10, 2025, against the Colorado Avalanche, recording 20:55 of ice time in a 3–0 loss. The appearance marked a significant milestone in his transition to the professional ranks. His role with the Blackhawks is expected to grow as he gains experience and confidence at the NHL level.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks’ investment in Levshunov signals a key piece of their ongoing rebuild. With a three-year entry-level contract running through 2027, the organization has time to develop him into a top-four or even top-pairing defenceman. His combination of offensive upside and defensive responsibility gives the Blackhawks a foundation on which to build their blue line for years to come.