The Chicago Blackhawks are pressing pause on Artyom Levshunov’s rookie campaign-not as a setback, but as a strategic reset.
On Friday, the team called up defenseman Sam Rinzel from the Rockford IceHogs, giving the 2022 first-rounder another shot at NHL action after spending the last couple of months fine-tuning his game in the AHL. But this move isn’t just about Rinzel’s development-it’s also about giving Levshunov some much-needed breathing room.
Levshunov, who’s been a regular presence on the blue line since debuting last season, has recently hit a rough patch. Over the past nine games, the 20-year-old has struggled to find his rhythm, a clear sign that the grind of an NHL season is starting to take its toll.
It’s not uncommon for young players-especially defensemen-to hit what’s often referred to as the “rookie wall.” The league is fast, physical, and relentless, and even the most promising prospects can get overwhelmed.
Rather than send Levshunov back to Rockford for more game reps, head coach Jeff Blashill and the Blackhawks are opting for a more tailored approach. He’ll be a healthy scratch against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night and is expected to see limited action leading into the Olympic break.
But this isn’t a benching-it’s a reset.
Blashill confirmed that the team has a specific development plan in place for Levshunov during this stretch. The focus?
Sharpening three key areas: his shooting, his puck-handling under pressure, and his overall defensive positioning. These aren’t just minor tweaks-they’re foundational elements that could elevate his game significantly if refined.
“Rather than send him down and play more games, I don't think that's what he needs,” Blashill explained. “What he needs is a chance to reset some foundational things.”
It’s a measured move. Regular minutes at the NHL level for a 20-year-old defenseman are rare, and when they happen, growing pains are expected.
The important thing is how a player responds when those struggles surface. For Levshunov, this is a chance to take a step back, recalibrate, and come back stronger.
The Blackhawks are clearly playing the long game here. They’ve seen enough to believe in Levshunov’s upside, and now they’re giving him the space to develop without the pressure of nightly matchups against the league’s best. If he embraces this opportunity and puts in the work, there’s every reason to believe he’ll return with renewed confidence and sharper tools-ready not just to play, but to thrive.
In the meantime, Rinzel gets a chance to showcase his growth and contribute at the NHL level. It’s a win-win for a franchise that’s building for the future while staying focused on development in the present.