RD Artyom Levshunov (2024, 2nd, CHI)

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think a lot of Hawks fans have to consider the type of team they are trying to build and not evaluate Demidov vs. Levshunov player vs. player.

Demidov will probably be one of the best scoring wingers in the NHL. But if you get a 1D out of Levshunov, which probably still won’t be a player who gets the same attention as a star scoring winger, that might help you build a better team. It’s very hard to find defensemen of that caliber, especially right handed and those that have every skill and can play in every situation. With Levshunov, you now finally see the makings of a 1-6D for the future within the organization (Levshunov, Korchinski, Vlasic, Rinzel, Allan, Del Mastro). Having that settled will go a long way.

They have the superstar center. They have a lot of smaller and skill type of prospects. Demidov isn’t small, but he’s more of the same with the type of player. You can always trade for another first or second line forward, if need be. And they’ll have this draft also to find that player. I think for them taking Levshunov was probably the right decision.

 

[CallMeShaft]

I think a lot of Hawks fans have to consider the type of team they are trying to build and not evaluate Demidov vs. Levshunov player vs. player.

Demidov will probably be one of the best scoring wingers in the NHL. But if you get a 1D out of Levshunov, which probably still won’t be a player who gets the same attention as a star scoring winger, that might help you build a better team. It’s very hard to find defensemen of that caliber, especially right handed and those that have every skill and can play in every situation. With Levshunov, you now finally see the makings of a 1-6D for the future within the organization (Levshunov, Korchinski, Vlasic, Rinzel, Allan, Del Mastro). Having that settled will go a long way.

They have the superstar center. They have a lot of smaller and skill type of prospects. Demidov isn’t small, but he’s more of the same with the type of player. You can always trade for another first or second line forward, if need be. And they’ll have this draft also to find that player. I think for them taking Levshunov was probably the right decision.

As a Hawks fan, I'm not going to say it was the right decision, but it is comforting to know we've sort of got our D core for the future settled and out of the way (like you said).

We still need another top line caliber guy in the worst of ways, but thankfully this year's Hawks team (which has improved immensely in team D, but is still almost solely reliant on 98 for offense) will help them get that type of player in next year's draft. Can't say enough about what adding a kid like Misa or Martone would do to cement the team's future.

 

[Alex K]

As a Hawks fan, I'm not going to say it was the right decision, but it is comforting to know we've sort of got our D core for the future settled and out of the way (like you said).

Be careful, the Flyers fans thought their future D core was settled with Provorov, Gostisbehere, Sanheim and Myers.

 

[CallMeShaft]

Be careful, the Flyers fans thought their future D core was settled with Provorov, Gostisbehere, Sanheim and Myers.

Hawks fans are optimistic, though there are certainly no guarantees. Development can stall, injuries can arise, etc.

Still, a lot of good potential for the Hawks. A potential top 4 of Levshunov, Korchinski, Vlasic, and Rinzel is promising. All big guys (KK and Lev are the shortest of the bunch at 6ft2) and the worst skater is probably Vlasic, who is a good skater for being 6ft6.

 

[Sacha BOXviert]

I think a lot of Hawks fans have to consider the type of team they are trying to build and not evaluate Demidov vs. Levshunov player vs. player.

Demidov will probably be one of the best scoring wingers in the NHL. But if you get a 1D out of Levshunov, which probably still won’t be a player who gets the same attention as a star scoring winger, that might help you build a better team. It’s very hard to find defensemen of that caliber, especially right handed and those that have every skill and can play in every situation. With Levshunov, you now finally see the makings of a 1-6D for the future within the organization (Levshunov, Korchinski, Vlasic, Rinzel, Allan, Del Mastro). Having that settled will go a long way.

They have the superstar center. They have a lot of smaller and skill type of prospects. Demidov isn’t small, but he’s more of the same with the type of player. You can always trade for another first or second line forward, if need be. And they’ll have this draft also to find that player. I think for them taking Levshunov was probably the right decision.

That's why I'm not against drafting Schaefer this draft.

 

[FlyguyOX]

Be careful, the Flyers fans thought their future D core was settled with Provorov, Gostisbehere, Sanheim and Myers.

I don't think a top prospect pool has ever busted so badly.

 

[wetcoast]

Hawks fans are optimistic, though there are certainly no guarantees. Development can stall, injuries can arise, etc.

Still, a lot of good potential for the Hawks. A potential top 4 of Levshunov, Korchinski, Vlasic, and Rinzel is promising. All big guys (KK and Lev are the shortest of the bunch at 6ft2) and the worst skater is probably Vlasic, who is a good skater for being 6ft6.

Ty Henry might also be the sleeper Dman if he keeps developing.

 

[Shroud of Orrin]

This has to be the least posted thread for a 2nd OA picked by an original six team in HF history…

I never see Rockford. Can someone tell us how he’s doing overall? The one thing that sticks out offensively are the 72 shots on net in 25 games in what is probably limited TOI.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

Solid so far

Got off to slow start coming off injury but has been getting better while having occasional yips of a just turned 19 yr old playing his first professional hockey

25 GP
2 goals
8 assists
10 pts
-1

Love his willingness to fire puck on net (Most of the guys we have on NHL roster could learn from that)

With Nazar and Korchinski up with Hawks though an already thinly talented Hogs roster is even more depleted which is both good and bad thing for him

Good = More icetime, bigger role
Bad = Not much talent to work with

 

[CallMeShaft]

As BWC said, not much talent to work with in Rockford since Korchinski and Nazar were recalled. The Hogs have also had their fair share of struggles since the coaching change.

But it's still nice seeing Lev lead the entire AHL in SOG by defensemen. That's damn impressive for the youngest D in the entire league and 2nd youngest overall.

Getting shots through is important. You can see why he's been compared to Brent Burns.

 

[WarriorofTime]

My expectation and hope is for one more year in the AHL. He’s really improved tremendously as the season has progressed but still a raw player in some ways. I can see him being a really good force in the AHL. It’s been a long time since he’s played in the same league in back to back seasons.