Chicago Blackhawks continue to build for future by selecting Artyom Levshunov, Sacha Boisvert & Marek Vanacker
The Chicago Blackhawks selected right-handed defenseman Artyom Levshunov at 2nd overall, center Sacha Boisvert at 18th overall, and left-winger Marek Vanacker at 27th overall
The Chicago Blackhawks continued to strengthen their prospect pool on Friday night by adding three new prospects, Artyom Levshunov, Sacha Boisvert, and Marek Vanacker, to the fold. The hope is that all three of these players will play a key role on the next great Blackhawks team.
Artyom Levshunov evaluation
Levshunov, who was taken second-overall by the Blackhawks, was considered by many to be the top defenseman in this draft class. The 18-year-old spent the past season with the Michigan State Spartans and arguably had the best season by a draft-eligible defenseman in Big Ten history. That’s quite impressive when you consider guys like Quinn Hughes, Owen Power, and Zach Werenski played in the Big Ten in their draft years.
Statistically the Belarusian stood out amongst his peers too. He produced at nearly a point-per-game rate scoring nine goals and adding 26 helpers in 38 games while also leading the Spartans in plus-minus (+27) and ice time. Additionally, he was named to the Big Ten All-Star Team, was the Big Ten’s Defensive Player and Rookie of the Year, and won the Big Ten Championship with Michigan State.
The young right-handed defenseman is heralded for his effortless skating ability, which allows for him to create offense, carry pucks in transition, and make stops defensively. His toughness and physicality are noticeable and give him a real chance to become a shutdown defenseman in the NHL.
“I just think the total package,” said Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson about Levshunov. “He can drive offense, he can skate, he's super mobile, he's got good size, he's aggressive, he's a physical defender and we just think there's more upside to come.”
With that being said there are still concerns about his play in the defensive end. While his physical tools give him a chance to become an elite stopper at the NHL level, his defensive instincts and reads aren’t there yet. His consistency, or lackthereof, is also a legit concern. However, there is widespread belief that he is just scratching the surface of his potential and will become an elite and all-situations #1 defenseman at the NHL level.
Boisvert analysis
At the 18th overall selection the Blackhawks surprised fans, although it had been rumored a few weeks ago, by selecting centerman Sacha Boisvert. He played in the USHL during the 2023/24 season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and was an integral part of that team, both on and off the ice. On the ice he scored 36 goals (fifth in the USHL, second on his team), 68 points (11th in the USHL, second on his team), and was also top-25 in penalty minutes (86). Off the ice he was a leader in that locker room and at only 17-years-old he was named an alternate captain.
The 18-year-old Canadian is known for two things, having an excellent shot and being a pain-in-the-rear to play against. He can score from anywhere on the ice whether that be in front of the net or from distance. Boisvert has a finishers touch and that’s a special ability. He is also extremely physical and competitive, as he hits hard and finishes checks all the way through. He plays a modern power forward’s game and if he makes the NHL he will become an immediate fan favorite.
“He plays with a real edge and real physicality,” said Davidson. “There’s a lot of appeal around both the offensive side and the abrasiveness that he plays with.”
However a few things may hold him back from making the NHL, mainly his skating. While Boisvert’s foot speed is not a concern, he has a very upright skating stride and that limits his explosiveness. He will also have to continue to bulk up, add some muscle to his frame, and improve at the faceoff dot. With that being he could potentially become a second-line power forward, but more than likely will become a staple in their middle-six.
Trade up for Vanacker
The Blackhawks made their third and final pick of the night, after trading up for pick 27 with the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for picks 34 and 50, and selected winger Marek Vanacker. The Canadian winger spent this last season in the OHL with the Brantford Bulldogs where he formed a dynamic duo with another Blackhawks prospect in Nick Lardis.
Vanacker produced at an outstanding clip scoring 36 goals and 46 assists in 68 games. Those marks were good enough for first and seventh respectively amongst draft eligible players, and was also tied for 16th in points amongst all players. Not too shabby when you consider he was playing through a torn labrum (which will keep him out until December of 2024) and his next best linemate had 15 fewer points than him.
Speed, competitiveness, and puck handling are Vanacker’s calling cards to the NHL. His off-puck play is especially impressive. Oftentimes you can find him dashing around the ice looking to force turnovers, engage in puck battles, and jump on loose pucks. When he wins those pucks back and has the puck on his stick he loves to create off the rush and drive to the net-front to create his chances.
“Just from the top of the circle down, along the boards, to net front, he's the first guy in,” said Blackhawks Director of Scouting Mike Doneghey. “He controls the play, controls the puck, ultra competitive and he can score.”
The concerns with Vanacker come in the way of his offensive upside. While both his shot and playmaking abilities are good, neither one of them is a standout ability. If he doesn’t produce as a 6’0” sub-200 pound forward it might be hard for him to carve out an NHL role. Similarly to both Levshunov and Boisvert he will need to continue to add muscle and become more consistent as well. He projects to be a complementary third-line winger at the NHL level.
Second Round & Beyond
It will be interesting to see what the Hawks do later today with no second round picks, but there is always the chance that they could move up again. Assuming that they don’t trade up, here are some realistic options at each remaining pick.
Pick 67: John Mustard, Tanner Howe, Kamil Bednarik, Carson Wetsch & Colton Roberts
Pick 72: Luke Misa, AJ Spellacy, Herman Traff, Owen Allard & Matvei Shuravin
Pick 138: William McIsaac, Jack Pridham, Lucas Van Vliet, Ollie Josephson & Ryerson Leenders
Pick 163: Blake Montgomery, Caeden Herrington, Javon Moore, Jamiro Reber & Adam Hesselvall
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