(670 The Score) The Blackhawks have selected defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Levshunov, 18, had nine goals and 26 assists over 38 games last season at Michigan State. He is the fourth Belarus native to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft and the highest ever selected.
The selection of Levshunov brings the Blackhawks a prized defenseman prospect for their rebuilding process. Chicago went 23-53-6 last season.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson turned the duties of announcing the selection of the team's pick to rookie forward Connor Bedard, who on Thursday was named the NHL's Calder Trophy winner as the league's top first-year player.
Bedard was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Blackhawks also own the No. 18 overall pick in this draft.