Artyom Levshunov
D - #5 Michigan State University (NCAA)
6’2, 209 lbs, Shoots: R
DOB: 28.10.2005 - Zhlobin, Belarus
It’s funny how things work out sometimes. The original plan for Levshunov was to play a year in the USHL with Green Bay before going to the CHL via the Import Draft. However, when the CHL banned Russian and Belarussian players from being eligible, Levshunov was forced to quickly pivot. That pivot was a commitment to Michigan State. As a freshman this year, Levshunov was outstanding, posting numbers comparable to the likes of Adam Fox, Zach Werenski, Luke Hughes, and Lane Hutson (and fellow draft-eligible defender Zeev Buium too) in recent years; certainly terrific company.
Truthfully, Levshunov is a potential five-tool defender. His upside may be the highest of any defender available this year and that’s saying something considering the quality of this blueline crop. He can impact the game in so many ways with his unique skill set.
Offensively, Levshunov is very aggressive. He leads the attack. He jumps up in the attack. He’s skilled. He has excellent vision. He quarterbacks the powerplay very effectively by inviting pressure before escaping it, using slick puck skill to manipulate defenders to get pucks to the middle of the ice. This is a defender who could be one of the highest-scoring defenders in the NHL in the future.
Defensively, Levshunov is very aggressive. He has good four-way mobility and defends pace well. He has great size and reach, but is also assertive physically. He wins battles down low and has an active stick defending the middle of the ice. Not only is he solid offensively, but he could be the type who’s out there late in games to help protect leads; a true minute eater.
I hear you asking…so what’s the catch? The catch is that, despite outstanding production over the last two seasons in North America, Levshunov’s game is still very much a work in progress. The application of his vast skill set is extremely inconsistent. He can be prone to lapses in concentration. He can be prone to poor decision-making, with and without the puck. Is he the kind of player who will struggle to make the most of his skill because he’s never able to put everything together from a consistent point of view? This is the million-dollar question scouts are asking themselves this year.
There are truly many things to consider regarding the likelihood of Levshunov reaching his vast potential. It’s important to remember that most freshmen defenders struggle to be consistent contributors in the NCAA. The learning curve is steep. This is especially true when you consider that Levshunov is also playing in only his second year in North America, still adjusting to a different culture and different ice surface/playing style. Sure, he is a more physically advanced, late-born 2005. But, development (on and off the ice) is non-linear. There’s no reason to believe that he won’t continue to improve his decision-making and become a more consistently dominant two-way defender.
And if he doesn’t? He still has the physical tools to play some kind of role in the NHL. An inconsistent Levshunov is still going to be better than a good number of candidates looking to break into the league. The physical tools are elite. Patience will be the key here. He may take a few years (maybe another year with Michigan State, then a year in the AHL) before he’s ready and confident enough to be an NHL player. But a franchise’s patience could pay off in a big way. Will that franchise be the Chicago Blackhawks at selection number two? At this point, all signs point to yes.
Skating
One of the most impressive components of Levshunov’s skating profile is his strength. He’s a bull on skates. He routinely runs over or through people to make a play at both ends, and he’s so difficult to separate from the puck because of how strong and balanced he is as a linear attacker.
Levshunov is best classified as a powerful four-way mover. His top-end speed is only average, it certainly isn’t as good as Dickinson's in this class. He’s not as fluid or graceful as Anton Silayev. He’s also not as quick or explosive on his edges as Zayne Parekh is. But, the overall profile is very solid. He builds speed quickly out of pivots or cuts, allowing him to be a difference-maker on the counterattack. He is also great at utilizing quick changes of pace to help him gain separation; those quick stutters freeze defenders and allow him to break away. With strong lateral pushes, Levshunov is often quick to recover defensively, routinely first to the wall to pucks. His transitions are also solid, allowing him to switch from backward to forward stride cleanly to help him be first to retrievals. Holding the offensive blueline or manning the point on the powerplay, his edgework is often noticeable as he escapes pressure to get pucks to the middle of the ice.
Outside of high-end speed, the only other thing truly missing from his skating profile is the combination of high-end edgework at full speed. At times, he can struggle to sustain balance or make a quick push to change direction while in full stride. This can lead to turnovers in the offensive zone as he’s not able to escape back pressure or evade stick checks in the slot. This is often why he prefers to incorporate delays in his attack, slowing the game down once he gains the zone.
Solid recovery from Levshunov here, showing balance and power on his edges to get back to cut off the Ohio State attacker’s rush attempt.
Very much a Sam Dickinson-style goal as Levshunov jumps up in the play and beats everyone down the ice for the goal. In a lot of ways, he has a power forward’s type of mentality with the puck.
Levshunov shows off his impressive skating ability here, breaking up a play in the defensive end and then exploding into the offensive zone to set up a scoring chance.
More smooth skating from Levshunov as he gains the offensive zone. Notice the incorporation of pace changes.
Outstanding play by Levshunov to set up the game-tying goal. We see the power in his stride as he beats defenders wide. Notice the change of pace built into his attack.
Grade: 55
Shot
Most defenders who earn a 55+ on their shot are your classic triggermen, guys who can really rifle it. Both Sam Dickinson and Carter Yakemchuk fit that description this year.
That’s not necessarily Levshunov’s game. In fact, you can pretty much count the number of times Levshunov attempted a one-timer or a big slapper this year on one hand. This was a larger part of his game in the USHL last year, but at Michigan State this season, the focus was clearly on trying to get pucks quickly to the net.
So why is his shot so highly regarded? He does such an outstanding job of getting pucks through traffic to generate second-chance opportunities or re-directs. The vast majority of his assists this year came from his work at the point. He has such great patience and poise working the point; he’s not afraid of inviting pressure. As that pressure comes, he’ll find a way, through a quick side step or simply threading the needle, to get a quick wrister or snapshot to the net.
When he does score, it’s from Levshunov’s heavy wrist shot. He places it so well and, again, has a terrific understanding of when to shoot, waiting for screens to occur. Combining his poise, shot selection, aggressiveness, and accuracy, it’s easy to see Levshunov scoring consistently at the NHL level too.
We didn’t see the one-timer very much at Michigan State this year, but we did a bit in the USHL the year prior.
Highly skilled play by Levshunov in the USHL the year prior. Great toe drag and a powerful finish.
The closest thing you’ll see to a big clapper from Levshunov at Michigan State. The little half-clapper gets the puck to the net quickly and Levshunov beats the LSSU goalie with a well-placed shot.
Not the best goaltending here, but we see the power Levshunov can generate in his wrist shot.
This is standard from Levshunov. So many plays like this from this past season. He sees his teammates both have inside position near the crease, so he puts a low wrister to the net and it generates a goal.
Exhibit B.
Grade: 55
Skill
This might be one of the most misconstrued areas of Levsunov’s game. Often scouting reports talk about Levshunov’s high-end skill and creativity as if he’s a Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, Erik Karlsson type of player. We don’t believe that to be true.
That’s not to say that Levshunov is devoid of creativity or high-end skill. That’s also not true. However, his game is more predicated on quick touches, aggressive offensive decision-making, and high-end vision. In the USHL last year, we saw him be more aggressive and successful one on one, beating defenders to create extra time and space for himself. This was especially true inside the offensive zone, where (much like Zayne Parekh), we saw him routinely use his hands and quick feet to escape pressure to push into the middle of the ice. This year, at Michigan State, we saw him simplify his approach significantly. He took chances away from the puck to jump up into the play but with the puck? It was about getting pucks to the net, finding passing lanes, and getting pucks in deep with minimal risk.
Where Levshunov’s skill shines is in his ability to protect the puck through traffic. He routinely fights off and through stick checks, simultaneously executing stick lifts while maintaining possession. He pivots quickly to keep defenders off his hands and is confident carrying fully extended, using his reach to push forward and through checks. The master of the reverse hit, defenders often bounce off of him as they try to separate him from the puck.
Levshunov is also a very skilled passer. He routinely makes crisp stretch passes and his feeds from the point are almost always on the tape. He gets so many secondary assists on the powerplay because of how precise his passes are in the face of pressure. This allows teammates to play at a high pace and to make quick plays because they never have to search for a puck at their feet or lose momentum to receive a pass.
The kind of creative play that Levshunov made routinely at the USHL level the year prior.
Same deal. That’s impressive control and strength on the puck.
The difference between the USHL and the NCAA right there. Levshunov tries to execute a move that he used many times the year prior, but he’s unsuccessful. As such, we saw very little creativity from Levshunov from the point this year.
Due to the fact that teams respect Levshunov’s shooting ability, he’s able to routinely make plays like this to help set up scoring chances.
Levhsunov showing off some slick skill as he generates a shorthanded scoring chance.
Really strong offensive sequence from Levshunov here.
Great stretch pass here that leads to a goal.
Levshunov stays with the play here and ends up creating a goal by getting the puck to the middle, drawing in pressure.
Strong defensive read and then excellent puck protection here by Levshunov as he fights through stick checks to drive the middle of the ice.
Grade: 57.5
Smarts
Levshunov’s transition to Michigan State as an impact freshman defender was extremely impressive this year. A lot of it had to do with the way he thinks the game at both ends of the ice.
For as aggressive as Levshunov is, it was hard to find clips this year to show carelessness. Yes, that is also thanks to great coaching and a great system at Michigan State, however, Levshunov is highly calculated and precise in almost everything he does.
Offensively, he’s extremely aggressive. It’s not uncommon to see him active on the forecheck, especially if he’s already stuck deep in the offensive zone from a previous scoring chance. He has an attacking mindset, always looking to push pace by jumping up in the play without the puck, similar to the way Sam Dickinson does in London. As a puck manager, he has excellent scanning habits, routinely utilizing multiple shoulder checks to assess his options with the puck in the defensive end. If he has time and space, he’ll quickly push up ice on the attack as a carrier. If he doesn’t, he routinely finds another option, either by finding an outlet or quickly rimming or flipping pucks out to minimize risk.
Defensively, Levshunov is also, usually, aggressive. He defends the neutral zone well and loves to jump up to cut off passing lanes or poke check to prevent a clean entry. He routinely forces turnovers here and then it’s quickly to the counterattack as a carrier; again showing off that aggressive mindset. Levshunov is also an excellent rush defender because of his mobility and strong stick. He keeps attackers to the perimeter and picks his spots well to be physical. He’s often most noticeable physically in puck pursuit, where he uses his strength to gain leverage. Levshunov defends the slot well with a quick stick and is generally solid in coverage.
The only real negative here comes from momentary lapses in concentration at both ends. Levshunov can be prone to overplaying defensively and losing his check, picking poor spots to be aggressive. He needs to be better in goal-mouth scrambles (something we’ll touch on in the physicality/compete section). He can be too casual with the puck in the offensive end when he’s attempting to barrel through defenders. Will these clean up at the next level or will the occurrence of these instances increase at the next level as the pace increases? That’s really the only concern.
Such a subtle, but effective play by Levshunov to help initiate the breakout. He shoulder checks multiple times to continue his assessment, draws in both forecheckers, and then slips the puck to the middle to escape pressure. He makes plays like this pretty routinely.
Another calm, cool, and collected play on a retrieval. Multiple shoulder checks and the correct play is made.
Good stick by Levshunov to break up a shot attempt from the slot, then it’s off to the races on the counterattack. Unfortunately, his teammate can’t stay onside.
Strong defensive play here as Levshunov makes a great poke check but also manages to make a quick exit under pressure.
Great defensive play again as Levshunov plays the two-on-one perfectly with great positioning and a well-timed poke check.
Levshunov is not able to hold the offensive blueline, but he recovers quickly to cut off a passing lane in the neutral zone with a great read, then it’s back on the counterattack quickly.
Another strong read in the neutral zone leads to a strong counterattack.
Not really much here. But I included this clip so that you gain an understanding of Levshunov’s aggressive mentality in defending. He picks the right time to cheat the zone here and it helps Michigan State get the puck in deep.
These are the types of aggressive overplays defensively that Levshunov will need to work to refine at the next level. That could have easily cost Michigan State a goal, as he chases the puck and takes himself out of position.
Too casual by Levshunov here. That’s just a lack of focus as he gets caught puck watching, rather than picking up his check in the slot.
You see the pattern. That’s just a pure lack of urgency. Way too slow to react to Kurth accepting that outlet and the result is a goal.
Too casual by Levshunov again here. He’s killing a penalty here. Again, the aggressiveness is good, but not in this situation, especially if he’s not going to chip that puck into the offensive zone. This whole sequence is high risk, very low reward.
Grade: 57.5
Physical/Compete
Overall, Levshunov’s compete level is sound. He’s the kind of player who wants the puck on his stick and he’s aggressive in achieving that goal. As mentioned, he’s ultra-aggressive in puck pursuit, way more than your average defender. He routinely provides support on the forecheck and in the neutral zone, rather than coast back after losing a puck in the offensive zone. He works to recover the puck and routinely hustles to cover his defensive responsibilities following rush attempts.
Physically, Levshunov isn’t a bruiser. Most of the “heavier” hits this season have come from opposing players trying to hit Levshunov only to bounce off of him. He will catch puck carriers with their head down as they try to cross the middle. He will eliminate carriers as they try to attack him wide with pace. He jousts near the crease and in the corners and is great at using his size/strength to help him win 50/50 battles.
As mentioned, his strength on the stick is very impressive. He is so hard to separate from the puck and he is tremendous in stick lifts, consistently outmuscling opponents in tight corridors.
One area that Levshunov needs to get better at is defending the net front. He can struggle to tie up his man in goal-mouth scrambles and he can be too casual defending the blue paint, both with his stick and his body.
Interestingly enough, Levshunov wasn’t a terrific performer at this year’s NHL combine fitness testing. This was somewhat surprising given his size, age, and the fact that he’s had a year to train with NCAA strength coaches. However, we don’t see this as an issue. In fact, we see it as a potential positive. As Levshunov improves his conditioning, he’s only going to get stronger, on and off the puck. Considering that this area is not currently a weakness, it is exciting to think of what the finished product could look like as a dominant two-way defender.
Huge hit by Levshunov in support. Then he jumps up on the counterattack and gains the zone.
Another great display of physicality from the same game against the NTDP. He throws his body around on the forecheck, then recovers in time to stop a clean entry by closing off the outside lane.
Oh hey, Frank Nazar.
Levshunov closes the outside lane with authority.
Levshunov throwing the weight around on this shift. First, the reverse hit, then the hit on the forecheck to keep the puck in.
This play is one of the best clips in this piece to show the type of impact Levshunov can have. He blocks off the dump-in attempt. Jumps up to strip the Lake Superior State player of the puck. Then a defender bounces off of him as he cuts to the middle to help set up a great scoring chance.
Another strong physical play by Levshunov that leads to a counter.
It just can’t be that easy for forwards to win battles near the crease when Levshunov is there. Too often he’ll try to slap at pucks in these situations, or simply be a bystander, when he needs to be more engaged physically from the get-go to ensure Wisconsin isn’t getting five good looks in tight.
Same deal. Levshunov just gets caught in the middle and really doesn’t have the kind of impact on the play as he should.
Grade: 55
OFP: 56.25
A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.