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New York Times
13-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
What we learned about Blackhawks prospects during the Rockford IceHogs' playoffs
The Chicago Blackhawks' organizational season is officially over. The Blackhawks' season ended with the NHL's regular season. The Indy Fuel, their ECHL affiliate, were swept in the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs. On Sunday, the Rockford IceHogs were eliminated from the AHL's Calder Cup playoffs by losing Game 5 of a best-of-five division semifinals series against the Milwaukee Admirals. Advertisement Here are 10 takeaways from the IceHogs' playoff run: 1. The postseason wasn't so memorable for Artyom Levshunov. As good as Levshunov was with the Blackhawks after being called up, he struggled a bunch with the IceHogs in the playoffs. Whether it was the adrenaline and season catching up with him — he played 77 games between Rockford and Chicago after playing in 38 for Michigan State last season — or something else, his game dropped off. He made mistakes with the puck and was out of position defensively, and he was often lucky it didn't bite the IceHogs more than it did. The lows were much more visible than the highs in the playoffs, and that was often the opposite during the regular season. There isn't any sense that the Blackhawks have a larger concern about Levshunov's play. The organization is probably happy for him to start his offseason, get some rest and then prepare to play potentially a full NHL season next year. Building more strength and endurance will be important for Levshunov, like a lot of the players, this offseason. 2. Kevin Korchinski assumed more of the role of No. 1 defenseman in the playoffs. Levshunov's minutes were cut a bit, and Korchinski got more ice time. He played well over 20 minutes most of the playoffs and even hit 26:19 in Game 4 against the Admirals. For the most part, Korchinski held his own. He had a costly turnover in Game 5 against the Admirals, where he didn't move the puck quickly enough as the forecheckers arrived, but there weren't many errors like that. He was on the ice for more goals for than against. He had two goals in the first round against the Chicago Wolves and two assists in the last series. He was noticeably flying around the ice at times using his skating. When he found that speed within the offensive zone, he created for himself and others. That's what the Blackhawks need him to do consistently. Defensively, he's so much better than he was a year ago. He showed a tougher side in the playoffs and even played the unlikely role of villain in Game 3 against the Admirals with a cross-check to an opponent's back and then tossing the player's glove across the ice. Advertisement This will be an important summer if he's going to break camp with the Blackhawks next season. The more weight and muscle he can add, the better chance he probably has. The Blackhawks are still high on Korchinski's potential and he turns 21 next month. He might just need a little longer than other prospects. 3. Drew Commesso may have to still be patient for his NHL opportunity in net next season, considering who is ahead of him, but he at least has the Blackhawks' attention again. From early March to the end of the season, he was often the reason why the IceHogs won games. In his final 15 regular-season starts, he had a .932 save percentage. In seven playoff games, he had a .926 save percentage. 4. If I were betting on one current Rockford forward prospect to become a permanent fixture with the Blackhawks, it'd probably be left winger Samuel Savoie. His speed and effort seem to affect the game consistently more than anyone else. He can change a game when he's on and has more offense than given credit for, but he can still play an impactful role when he's not producing. He gets on pucks quickly and either wins them or forces opponents into bad decisions. It'd be surprising if he didn't get his first NHL look next season. 5. Colton Dach answered one major question about his future this season. It was clear in March that he could be a consistent NHL player. He found his groove with the Blackhawks late in the season. The problem is he still failed to answer the other big question: Can the Blackhawks count on him to be healthy? This was the third consecutive season he missed significant time. He'll get another chance next season to answer that. Dach had his moments when he returned from injury and played in the IceHogs' last five games. He scored the overtime goal in Game 1. He was physical and embraced the role of protector against the Admirals, who didn't mind throwing their bodies around. He didn't find the level he was playing at earlier, but it was good for him to get back playing. COLTON DACH 12 SECONDS INTO OVERTIME 🚨Rockford wins Game 1!@goicehogs | @NHLBlackhawks#AHL #CalderCup #GoHogs #Blackhawks — FloHockey (@FloHockey) May 2, 2025 6. The Blackhawks prospect I was probably most wrong about this season was defenseman Ethan Del Mastro. To be fair, there was some concern within the Blackhawks about how he started his season in Rockford. After taking a positive step last season, he appeared as if he took a step back with the IceHogs early in the year. Advertisement But as the year progressed, so did Del Mastro. He got better at moving pucks quickly. His gaps were better. His all-around play in the defensive zone improved. The one thing I noticed throughout the IceHogs' playoff run was how much Del Mastro understands how to use his body to shield defenders, retrieve pucks effectively and create some space for himself. He makes intelligent reads, too. With Rockford, he often did it while playing his off side, too. Del Mastro probably doesn't have as high a ceiling as a number of the Blackhawks' defenseman prospects, but his consistency is at a level most of those other defensemen don't have yet. It'll be interesting to see where Del Mastro falls in the depth chart. He's probably going to be fighting for a third-pairing role — that's just the reality of the Blackhawks' defense — but as of now, Del Mastro is probably ahead of the other candidates. He was more noticeable than Nolan Allan during Rockford's playoff games. In the IceHogs' final game of the season, it was Del Mastro who played a team-high 23:52. 7. Aidan Thompson didn't look out of place after making the jump from college to the IceHogs in April. As he adjusted to the offensive side of the game, he was noticeable on the forecheck and gave opponents trouble with his speed. He seemed to figure out more of the offensive part as his Rockford stay went longer. He scored twice against the Admirals. He also won 54 percent of his faceoffs in the final series. What Thompson has going against him is his age. He turned 23 in April and is on the older side for a player just entering pro hockey. It was beneficial for him to end the season on a professional tryout agreement and see where the AHL game is at. He'll officially begin his entry contract next season and will already have some pro experience under his belt. The Blackhawks were hoping to do the same with Dominic James, but James was interested in burning his first contract year this season. AIDAN THOMPSON HAS HIS 1ST PRO GOAL 📢 — Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) May 4, 2025 8. Of the Blackhawks' three drafts under Kyle Davidson, forward Paul Ludwinski has to be the most disappointing prospect so far. He was selected at No. 39 in the 2022 draft. The Blackhawks aren't writing him off by any means after one pro season, but he has a ways to go if he's going to become an NHL player. Ludwinski's speed is what the Blackhawks drafted him for, and you could see it at times this season: in Game 4 against the Admirals, he forced a turnover off the forecheck that led to the IceHogs' first goal. He just struggles to sustain that speed. Strength and endurance have to be focus points for him this offseason. His ice time was a reflection of how much he was trusted in the most important games. In the Milwaukee series, his game totals were 8:42, 11:30, 10:03, 7:55 and 8:11. 9. Gavin Hayes, a 2022 third-round draft pick, also had his share of ups and downs in his first pro season. After producing 41 and 37 goals in his last two OHL seasons, the left winger was probably hoping for more production this season. He scored five goals in 50 games for the IceHogs. Advertisement While Hayes' offense wasn't anywhere close to his World Juniors production, there were some encouraging signs this season, especially in the playoffs. He was finding more room to shoot during the postseason and made a few noticeable quick plays that created chances for teammates. He was also aggressive on the forecheck on the third line. His ice time was closer to 14 minutes a game. Neither Ludwinski nor Hayes may become NHL players, but the Blackhawks probably aren't counting on them. That's why the Blackhawks drafted so many early-round picks over the last three years. They just need enough to hit. But having said that, there's always the chance that Ludwinski and Hayes come around. They're both on three-year entry-level contracts. They're both young. Hayes is still 20 and Ludwinski recently turned 21. Time is still on their side, and the Blackhawks are going to be patient with them. A year from now, their stories might be different. 10. The Blackhawks did a nice job of adding the right type of veterans to support their prospects in Rockford this season. The IceHogs roster probably had a few too many veterans near the end, but that had more to do with players like Frank Nazar and Landon Slaggert graduating to the NHL during the season. The Blackhawks will probably look to return a few of those veterans next season. Joey Anderson is under contract for another year, but Brett Seney, Zach Sanford and Cole Guttman are on expiring deals. They also had contributing players like Gerry Mayhew and Cavan Fitzgerald on AHL deals. It was interesting that Andreas Athanasiou was a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs. (Photo of Samuel Savoie: Jimmy Doles / Rockford IceHogs)
New York Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Five years of Blackhawks NHL Draft classes: The signed, unsigned and uncertain
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson isn't going to sign everyone. No team signs all of its prospects, but that's especially true when it selects as many players as Davidson has through his first three drafts — with even more coming in a fourth draft in June. He made 11 picks in 2022, 11 more in 2023 and eight in 2024. He has nine more selections this year. There were also several prospects whose draft rights the Blackhawks still owned when Davidson took over. Eventually, with all those prospects, Davidson will have to make some tough decisions about future roster space. So far, Davidson hasn't had too many of those decisions. They are coming, though. Here's a look at the Blackhawks' last five drafts: whom they've signed, whom they haven't and whose rights they still own. Artyom Levshunov, No. 2 draft pick, defenseman: Signed, played in 18 NHL games in his first pro season Sacha Boisvert, No. 18, forward: Unsigned, could be a candidate to sign after next season Marek Vanacker, No. 27, forward: Signed, will likely turn pro after his next season John Mustard, No. 67, forward: Unsigned, will likely spend two more seasons in college before signing Advertisement A.J. Spellacy, No. 72, forward: Signed, will likely turn pro after his next season Jack Pridham, No. 92, forward: Unsigned, will likely spend a few years in college before signing Joel Svensson, No. 138 forward, forward: Unsigned, Blackhawks own rights until June 2028 Ty Henry, No. 163, defenseman: Unsigned, Blackhawks own his rights until June 1, 2026 Of Davidson's eight draft picks last year, it's shaping up as if the Blackhawks will sign at least six of them. Spellacy, a third-round pick, did enough at training camp last year to earn a contract. Could he be the surprise of next training camp to make the team? Probably not, as he'd have to stay in the NHL until at least February, but he also wasn't expected to look like he did last camp. Mustard and Pridham also appear on track as fellow third-rounders to sign in time. Pridham especially impressed the Blackhawks with what he did after moving to the OHL this season. He's expected to play at Boston University next season. You would think he would stay a few years there, but he's closer to turning pro than originally expected. Mustard finished his Providence College season strong and will be a player to keep an eye on next season. As for the late-round picks, time will tell with Svensson and Henry. The Blackhawks will have to decide on Henry after next season because he was drafted out of the OHL. Connor Bedard, No. 1, forward: Signed, has produced 128 points in first 150 NHL games Oliver Moore, No. 19, forward: Signed, appeared in nine NHL games after signing out of college Adam Gajan, No. 35, goalie: Unsigned, will likely spend at least a few more years in college Roman Kantserov, No. 44, forward: Unsigned, expected to sign after next season Martin Misiak, No. 55, forward: Signed, expected to start next season in Rockford Advertisement Nick Lardis, No. 67, forward: Signed, late-season injury shouldn't impact training camp arrival Jiri Felcman, No. 93, forward: Unsigned, rights expire in June 2027 Alex Pharand, No. 99, forward: Unsigned, rights expire in June Marcel Marcel, No. 131, forward: Unsigned, rights expire in June Milton Oscarson, No. 167, forward: Unsigned, rights expire in June Janne Peltonen, No. 195, defenseman: Unsigned, rights expire in June 2027 Davidson has signed four of his 11 draft picks from 2023. Kantserov seems like a safe bet to be the fifth. All indications are he'll sign after his KHL contract expires after the 2025-26 season. Unless Gajan struggles over the next few years at Minnesota Duluth, he will probably eventually sign with the Blackhawks, too. The team knew he might need time when drafting him. It owns his rights until August 2028. After those six selections, the Blackhawks may not sign anyone else. Felcman has a few more years to prove himself, but his production in Switzerland has been underwhelming so far. The Blackhawks are not expected to offer Pharand a contract before his rights expire next month. He had 17 goals and 42 assists in 65 games in the OHL this past season. Marcel has been under an AHL contract with the Rockford IceHogs for the past two years. The Blackhawks aren't expected to convert him to an NHL deal right now. Oscarson is also not expected to be offered a contract before his rights expire in June. He had five goals and six goals in 52 games in the SHL this past season. Peltonen has a few more years before the Blackhawks have to decide on him. Kevin Korchinski, No. 7, defenseman: Signed, his 92 NHL games so far are the fifth-most of any 2022 draft pick Frank Nazar, No. 13, forward: Signed, will be entering the final year of his entry-level contract Sam Rinzel, No. 25, defenseman: Signed, played in nine games down the stretch after signing out of college Advertisement Paul Ludwinski, No. 39, forward: Signed, played this season with the Rockford IceHogs Ryan Greene, No. 57, forward: Signed, played in two NHL games after his college season ended Gavin Hayes, No. 66, forward: Signed, played this season in Rockford Samuel Savoie, No. 81, forward: Signed, could be an NHL candidate next season after playing in Rockford this season Aidan Thompson, No. 90, forward: Signed, his entry-level contract begins next season Dominic James, No. 173, forward: Unsigned, rights expire on Aug. 15 Nils Juntorp, No. 188, forward: Unsigned, rights traded to Carolina Hurricanes Riku Tohila, No. 199, forward: Unsigned, rights expire in June of 2026 Of the 11 players Davidson drafted in 2022, he's already signed eight. Those players also happen to be his first eight selections. Davidson hoped to sign his ninth selection, too, but James has turned down the Blackhawks' contract and is expected to become an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 15. Juntrop, another sixth-round pick, was Davidson's 10th selection in 2022, and his rights were traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Taylor Hall deal. The Blackhawks' final 2022 selection was Tohila, a seventh-round pick. He's unlikely to sign, but the Blackhawks own his rights until June 2026. Nolan Allan, No. 32, defenseman: Signed, has played two pro seasons Colton Dach, No. 62, forward: Signed, made his NHL debut this season Taige Harding, No. 91, defenseman: Signed, his entry-level contract begins next season Ethan Del Mastro, No. 105, defenseman: Signed, he's one of four players drafted after the second round in 2021 to play in 25 NHL games Victor Stjernborg, No. 108, forward: Unsigned, rights expire in June Ilya Safonov, No. 172, forward: Unsigned, indefinite rights Connor Kelley, No. 204, defenseman: Unsigned, rights expired Advertisement Jalen Luypen, No. 216, forward: Signed, will be a restricted free agent after this season Davidson wasn't the general manager during the 2021 draft, but has been deciding whether to sign players from that draft class. He has signed the first four players taken that year. Stjernborg, a fourth-round pick, is not expected to be offered a contract before his rights expire next month. He had three goals and six assists in 37 games in the SHL this season. Safonov, a sixth-round selection, has gained some attention over the last few years as he's developed into a solid center in the KHL. He broke out for 19 goals and 18 assists in 64 games in the 2022-23 season and played a key role in a deep KHL playoff run for Ak Bars. His production wasn't nearly as grand the last two seasons. He had seven goals and 15 assists in 51 games this past season. Safonov, who turns 24 on May 30, is not a clear-cut NHL player, but he might have a chance in a bottom-six role. He previously expressed interest in signing with the Blackhawks. But with his KHL contract expiring at the end of the month, it doesn't sound like the Blackhawks will offer him an NHL deal. His age, what the Blackhawks have in the pipeline and his projection all come into play with such a decision. They own his rights indefinitely, having been drafted out of Russia, so something could always change. Lukas Reichel, No. 17, forward: Signed, has played in 169 career NHL games Drew Commesso, No. 46, goalie: Signed, playing in Rockford for a second season Landon Slaggert, No. 79, forward: Signed, played a majority of this past season in the NHL Wyatt Kaiser, No. 81, defenseman: Signed, seemed to turn a corner in the NHL this season Michael Krutil, No. 110, defenseman: Unsigned, rights expired Isaak Phillips, No. 141, defenseman: Signed, traded to Winnipeg Jets Advertisement Chad Yetman, No. 172, forward: Unsigned, rights expired Louis Crevier, No. 188, defenseman: Signed, has played the most NHL games of any seventh-round pick in the last five years Davidson also wasn't the general manager for the 2020 draft, but he's made a lot of the signing decisions in that class. Reichel and Phillips signed their entry-level contracts before Davidson took over. Krutil and Yetman, who both played this season in Czechia, were the only two players not signed from the eight players the Blackhawks drafted in 2020. (Top photo of Ilya Safonov: Maksim Konstantinov / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images)
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Artyom Levshunov's OT goal lifts the Rockford IceHogs to a game 1 win over the Chicago Wolves
ROSEMONT, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — They're celebrating in Rockford and in Belarus. IceHogs rookie defenseman and Belarusian Artyom Levshunov scored a power play goal in overtime giving the IceHogs a 2-1 win over the Chicago Wolves Wednesday night in the first game of their Calder Cup playoff the second overall pick in the NHL Draft by the Blackhawks last summer, scored from deep blasting the puck past Wolves' goaltender Spencer Martin at the 11- minute mark of first period of this game was scoreless, and so was the third period. In the second period Juha Jaaska scored for The Wolves when he deflected the puck past Drew Commesso. The IceHogs answered that period with a goal was credited to Kevin Korchinski ricochetted and deflected off the pads of Commesso was huge in this game for the IceHogs. He had 32 saves while allowing only the one IceHogs lead the best-of-three series 1 game to none. Game 2 will be Friday night in Rockford at BMO Center. Game three, if needed, will be played Sunday at 4 p.m. in Rockford. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Spartan defenseman, and top NHL draft pick, called up to the NHL
Michigan State hockey helped develop a star in Artyom Levshunov. The Belarus native was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 2 overall in 2024 after the defenseman spent one season in East Lansing. Since joining the Rockford Ice Hogs, the AHL affiliate of the Blackhawks, Levshunov has been an absolute stud. The defenseman has 22 points, while being stellar defensively. In the late hours of Sunday night, or early hours of Monday morning, it has been revealed that the Blackhawks have made the decision to call the 19-year old defenseman up to the NHL. Levshunov has yet to make his NHL debut, but that could be coming in the next few games. The Blackhawks are set to face off against the Colorado Avalanche, in Denver, tonight, before going on to face the San Jose Sharks on Thursday in California. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Cory_Linsner This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Artyom Levshunov has been called up to the NHL by the Chicago Blackhawks
NBC Sports
09-03-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Artyom Levshunov recalled by Chicago, could make NHL debut this week
DENVER — Artyom Levshunov was recalled by Chicago on Sunday, putting the No. 2 overall pick in last year's NHL draft on the brink of his Blackhawks debut. Levshunov, a 19-year-old defenseman, has five goals and 17 assists in 50 games with Rockford of the American Hockey League. He missed the start of the season because of a fractured right foot. The last-place Blackhawks are at Colorado on Monday night. They visit San Jose on Thursday night before closing out a four-game trip at Vancouver on Saturday night. Levshunov, a Belarus native, had nine goals and 26 assists in his only season at Michigan State. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He signed an entry-level contract with Chicago in July. The three-year deal carries a $975,000 cap hit.
