ARTYOM LEVSHUNOV

Defense
6’2/198
Right
Michigan State Univ./NCAA

Related: Sam Dickinson

While Sam Dickinson is still the top defenseman in this draft, Artyom Levshunov isn’t going to go quietly as he’s just as efficient leading the play from the backend. His impact to be a constant presence in the offensive zone is always noticeable, walking the line to get open for a shot, or activating on the cycle and attacking the middle of the ice. Levshunov’s defensive game stands out as well, due to his punishing physicality and ability to smoother attacking forwards and take away any opportunity. Committed to Michigan State University this season, his two-way game is going to make him a household name. Arytom Levshunov played for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL last season, putting up 13 goals and 42 points in 62 games. Levhsunov’s mobility, transitional play, and two-way game instantly stand out. He’s such a smooth skater and has the ability to walk the line effectively when in the offensive zone. The big Belarusian defenseman has great awareness and IQ in the offensive zone, knowing when to jump into the play for a shot or keep plays alive along the boards. Levshunov can play a menacing defensive game with his physicality and one-on-one coverage in front of the net and has the making to be a very impactful defenseman for the future.

Size/Strength Excellent
Skating Excellent
Shot/Scoring Great
Puckhandling Good
Physical Play Great
Offensive Play Good
Defensive Play Great
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Great

Strengths

1. Levshunov is a smooth skater with plus-level four-way mobility and good length, and developed into one of the top penaltykillers in the USHL last year.
2. He’s an excellent two-way defenseman with good hands and a hockey IQ. He’s a modern-day blueliner who can punish you both physically and on the scoresheet.
3. Big, strong, right-shot defenceman who has significant upside offensively. He shoots the puck hard and accurately and finds ways to get them on goal, through traffic, from range.

Areas of Improvement

1. Has a tendency to throw big hits, which could take him out of position.
2. His spatial awareness ranges defensively at times, though, so that’s an area he will need to pay more attention to next season.

Scouting Report

Arytom Levshunov’s mobility, transitional play, and two-way game instantly stands out. He’s such a smooth skater and has the ability to walk the line effectively when in the offensive zone. He has great awareness and IQ in the offensive zone, knowing when to jump into the play for a shot or keep plays alive along the boards. At 6 foot 2, 198 pounds, he’s a big, strong, right-shot defenceman who has significant upside offensively. Levshunov has a hard and accurate from the point and finds ways to get them on goal, through traffic, from range. His spatial awareness ranges defensively at times, though, so that’s an area he will need to pay more attention to next season. Levshunov is a highly talented offensive-minded defenseman. The Belarusian defenseman can skate pucks up ice with his impressive mobility, he has the skill to beat good defensemen, and he can make plays. An excellent two-way defenseman with good hands and hockey IQ, he is a modern-day blueliner who can punish you both physically and on the scoresheet. Putting up 40-plus points in his first season in North America was no small feat. For perspective, Owen Power, the 1st overall pick in the 2021 draft by the Buffalo Sabres, had 40 points in 45 games with the Chicago Steel in his final season, but Arytom Levshunov is already better all around at the same age. My NHL Comparable for Levshunov would be Moritz Seider, who is a stud defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, who plays with a snarl and has some real offensive upside with his mobility and shot. Artyom Levshunov has sky-high potential and could very well be a top-pair defenseman in the NHL one day, but at worst, he becomes a top 4 defensive defenseman because of his size and physicality.

Skill: Smooth Skating, Two-way defenceman, with a big shot, punishing physicality and excellent Hockey IQ

NHL Comparable: Moritz Seider

NHL Potential: Top 4 Two-Way Defenseman

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2022-23	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	65	13	43
2023-24	Michigan State Univ.	NCAA	6	3	6

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