The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Saturday that they have agreed to a three-year entry-level contract with Levshunov, worth $2.925 million with a $975,000 cap hit.
Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson expressed his excitement about the signing, stating that it allows the team to develop Levshunov in their system and believes he has the potential to become a high-end player in the NHL. Levshunov, a native of Belarus, had an impressive freshman campaign with Michigan State University in the NCAA, putting up 35 points in 38 games.
While it's unclear where Levshunov will start the 2024-25 season, it's likely that he will begin with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. However, he is expected to make his NHL debut at some point during the year and could potentially join the Blackhawks' roster. Davidson's comments suggest that the team is eager to develop Levshunov's skills and see him grow into a key player for the franchise.
The signing of Levshunov completes the trio of top picks from the 2024 draft, with all three players now officially signed to their respective teams. As the NHL season approaches, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these young players perform and develop in their professional careers.