Michigan State Hockey: Artyom Levshunov projected to be drafted No. 2 overall

Michigan State hockey star defensemen Artyom Levshunov was projected to go No. 2 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Michigan State hockey looks like it might have one of the top picks in the NHL draft for the first time since 1986 when right winger Joe Murphy was selected first overall. That projected top pick is Artyom Levshunov, the highest-ranked defender in the 2024 NHL Draft.

In the latest ESPN mock draft, Levshunov is projected to be picked by the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 2 overall. The last time Chicago took a defenseman from Michigan State, it was Duncan Keith, which worked out great for the Blackhawks.

ESPN’s NHL Mock Draft has Michigan State’s Artyom Levshunov going 2nd overall.

The top defenseman in his class.#GoGreen#Veektory4MSU pic.twitter.com/YJFOBPfOKi

— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) April 3, 2024

What type of player would Chicago be getting in Levshunov? They would be getting the best defenseman on the team and one that has the size to be an impact player. They also are getting a smart player and one who can find open passes to his teammates. He has also quite a bit of speed, which makes scouts think he could be a two-way defenseman. With his size, speed, and his shot, you can see why teams are thinking highly of him.

Levshunov has also played well against older players and could have a chance to leave after a year at Michigan State. That is the biggest question so far for Levshunov and the team that drafts him. How are the teams going to want him to develop? While he’s big and fast, he still needs to improve as he’s young. That could mean staying with Michigan State hockey, if the team deems that is best for his development.

We’ve seen teams do this with top picks before and Levshunov could be another player that does this. Even with this possibility, he is going to be a top pick in this draft and still has a chance to come back to Michigan State.

This would be the perfect result if you want to see him play another year as Levshunov is really fun to watch.