The Chicago Blackhawks made a roster move by activating defenseman Artyom Levshunov and sending the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s NHL draft to the minors. Levshunov, 18, suffered a foot injury during an offseason tournament, which was later diagnosed as a fracture. Despite the setback, he was eager to rejoin his team after participating in the morning skate on Tuesday.
Hailing from Belarus, Levshunov had an impressive college season at Michigan State, where he earned accolades such as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. His entry-level contract with Chicago was finalized in July, with a $975,000 cap hit for three years. While recovering from his injury, Levshunov took the opportunity to immerse himself in the NHL team environment, which coach Luke Richardson believes will benefit his integration into the organization.
In other injury news, defenseman Alec Martinez is making progress in his recovery from a groin injury, though the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain. Despite the setbacks, the Blackhawks are gearing up for a challenging five-game road trip after hosting the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.
The team’s decision to activate Levshunov and provide updates on Martinez’s condition underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain a competitive roster amidst injury challenges. As the Blackhawks navigate through the upcoming games, the resilience and adaptability of the team will be put to the test. Stay tuned for more updates on the team’s roster dynamics and performance as they face off against tough opponents in the coming weeks.