Blackhawks second overall pick signs rookie contract

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The Chicago Blackhawks number two overall draft pick this year, Artyom Levshunov, put the pen to the paper Saturday. Levshunov signed a three year entry level contract with the Hawks for a $975,000 cap hit that will run through the 2026-27 season.

Levshunov, last year’s Big Ten defensive player of the year and Freshman of the year was expected to make his way back to Michigan State for at least another year. He recorded 35 points (9 goals, 26 assists) in 38 games with the Michigan State Spartans during the 2023-24 season. Now, the highly touted defenseman will throw on some NHL skates and put his skills to the test in Blackhawks training camp in September.

Due to Artyom Levshunov signing an entry level contract, the lowest level of hockey he will play is with the AHL’s Rockford Icehogs. It is likely that Levshunov will spend some time in Rockford this upcoming season, but the amount of time is up to Levshunov’s performance.