While defenseman Artyom Levshunov tops the list for me in the end, the Chicago Blackhawks pick for this list was one of the more difficult ones because they have several high-end guys you could make a good argument for.

Just off the top of my head, Sam Rinzel, Oliver Moore, and Anton Frondell are all floating around the top there. Levshunov has played 18 NHL games, so while he’s still pretty young—he’ll be 20 in October—he’s on his way out of the technical prospect/rookie designation as far as the NHL is concerned. He had a strong debut for the Blackhawks last season, and while it wasn’t the right time to keep him in the NHL then, that time is swiftly approaching. 

Levshunov was averaging around 20 minutes per night during his time in the NHL last year, give or take, and in those heavy minutes, he managed to record six assists. He’s an explosive skater, strong on the breakout, and is an equally effective shooter and passer. He’s constantly activating, always down to try to make something happen, and while I’d love to see growth in his decision-making and risk-taking, you have to admire the chutzpah. I’d rather have a player I need to dial back than one I have to try and motivate.

There were moments last season where I was a little worried Levshuvnov might end up the latter, with a lack of urgency and aggression, but it thankfully seems like they were just that—moments in a journey of adjusting to the pro pace and style.