Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Artyom Levshunov

Despite the pressure on Levshunov, his first full season in the NHL was not quite what everyone was hoping for. During the early portion of the season, Levshunov provided a lot on offense, but also played lesser minutes thanks to Jeff Blashill’s seven-defensemen approach. However, Levshunov began to visibly struggle once he was expected to play more, and even saw himself become a healthy scratch while “going back to school” in the middle of the season.

During the Olympic break, Levshunov got to work in Florida, getting back to the basics. Upon the NHL action resuming, Levshunov looked better. He was more positionally sound, and despite the box score numbers not looking all that sexy, we saw Levshunov playing top-pairing minutes down the stretch. The vision for Levshunov is still there, it is just taking longer than fans hoped for him to find his footing.

In the end, Levshunov ended up missing the last two-plus weeks with an injury. However, Levshunov ultimately played 68 games for the Blackhawks, posting 24 points (10th on the roster) in his first full season. In his second full season, a big step forward is the expectation for the No. 2 overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: C

I say this in the most respectful way possible. Artyom Levshunov is infuriating to watch. You can see the talent; his December stretch, during Connor Bedard’s injury, showcased his abilities with six points in eight games. Yet, inconsistency plagues Arty. Just two weeks after that stretch of play, he was benched. Not just benched, but sent to basically a coaching clinic for the entire Olympic break and then some. The “Green Jacket” award winner of the NHL needs to step it up next season as a second overall pick with many doubters. Thank goodness for those eight games in December.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: C

Flat out was not a fan of everything we witnessed from the Blackhawks former second overall pick this season. Quite a few mental lapses that led to unsightly turnovers, unnecessary goals, and just downright puzzling play seemed to happen regularly with Levshunov throughout the year. At least alongside that, there would be moments with flashes of greatness. The problem is that one truly never outweighs the other, leaving the fan feeling utterly frustrated at what could be with this type of player. There is PLENTY of time for it to come together for him in his career, but as the rebuild accelerates, he will need to do his best to shorten the timeline it takes to clean some stuff up. Unfortunately, an injury ended his season a tad early. C.

Ron Luce’s Grade: C

A sporadic season, defined by benchings, a healthy scratch, and an in-season training camp, was not what anyone hoped for out of Artyom Levshunov. The former no. 2 pick struggled and required a lot of work from Jeff Blashill and staff. However, following the Olympic Break, Levshunov showed signs of improvement. It wasn’t perfect, but he improved late. A huge step forward will definitely be required by the youngster to redeem his grade this season. It wasn’t a great season from Levshunov.

What’s On Tap Next?

Levshunov will need to show more growth in his second full NHL season. If he can take a step forward, the blue line is stronger than ever, especially after adding Bowen Byram this offseason. If he can continue developing, the Blackhawks’ blue line will be incredibly strong for years to come.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Artyom Levshunov? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Nick Foligno