The Chicago Blackhawks called up top prospect Artyom Levshunov from the Rockford IceHogs Monday to practice with the team during the AHL’s All-Star break.
“We felt this would be a good opportunity for Arty’s development to come and get some NHL-level practice experience, something he was not able to do during training camp this season due to injury,” Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement.
“While we don’t expect him to see any game action during his recall, we’re confident the experience will be a positive one for Arty as he continues on his development path.”
Levshunov, 19, ranked second among Rockford blue-liners with three goals and 10 assists through 38 games.
He had a goal and an assist against the Chicago Wolves and Milwaukee Admirals, respectively, in his final two games before his recall to Chicago.
This is Levshunov’s first chance to show off his size (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) and offensive skill with the big club since the Hawks drafted him No. 2 overall last summer.
He broke his foot blocking a shot while training in Florida on Sept. 11, causing him to sit out of development camp and training camp and miss the start of the IceHogs season.
Levshunov is signed to a three-year, entry-level contract (through 2026-27) that carries a $975,000 salary cap hit.
Meanwhile, fellow defenseman Louis Crevier was placed on injured reserve (concussion protocol) Monday after he sustained a hit to the back of the head during the Hawks’ 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
