UPDATE: the Blackhawks have activated defenseman Artyom Levshunov off IR and assigned him to Rockford.
Levhunov, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has been skating on his own since the start of the Blackhawks’ rookie camp back in early September. For the first time, he joined the Blackhawks for a morning skate on Tuesday and spoke with the media. Which are both great signs that he’s close to being back in action.
Levshunov said he hurt his foot over the summer and skated for another month before tests showed a fracture in his right foot. That’s what took him out of action for a while. Now, he’s skating well and feels like he’s ready to go. And he’s excited for the opportunity to start getting back into normal practices and, eventually, game action.
“It was tough (being out). Sort of boring, skating by myself and the skills coach,” Levshunov said on Tuesday morning. “Today, I’m excited to get back with the team.”
Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson said Levshunov has been involved in team meetings so the systems are already being built with him.
“Today was the first morning skate, so hopefully he’ll get in a few practices this week and management will make that call, the best spot for him to start because he really missed even rookie camp and training camp,” Richardson said Tuesday. “He’s kind of behind on that part of it.”