Blackhawks Prospects Report: Levshunov, Nazar & More – Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

Welcome to the latest installment of the renewed “Future Hawks” prospect series. In this column, we take a look at the Chicago Blackhawks prospects who are bright and enjoying success, whether they are playing in the Canadian minors, the American Hockey League (AHL), Europe, Russia, or anywhere around the world.

In this installment, we examine the top prospects and their performances in the AHL and NCAA, including many of their top picks in recent NHL drafts and a couple who may be wearing Blackhawks jerseys at some point this season.

Artyom Levshunov

The Hawks' top prospect, according to NHL.com, decided to turn pro the first week of July after earning Big-10 Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors last season at Michigan State. The 19-year-old had his season delayed after injuring his right foot, but returned to action against the Rockford Ice Hogs in late October. Levshunov didn't waste much time to get involved. He was on Rockford's top power-play team with fellow first-round defenseman Kevin Korchinski and saw plenty of ice at even strength. Levshunov showed good movement and confidence with the puck.

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The second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft scored his first professional goal against the Grand Rapids Griffins on Nov. 8 and now has four points in seven games in Rockford. The late start to the season may not have been great, but spending time in Rockford to get his professional legs under him will help Levshunov get up to speed with a possible late-season eye.

Frank Nazar

The Blackhawks' 13th pick from 2022 picked up four points in Rockford last weekend and currently leads the IceHogs with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in nine games. Chicago got to know Nazar early when he played for them in three games at the end of last season. His debut on April 14 was unforgettable; scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Nazar already had confidence, but he found more in his three-game NHL debut last season. The 20-year-old continues to learn how to make the most of his natural quickness by getting inside the dots, getting into scoring positions, and using that great possession on both sides of the puck, offensively and defensively.

Sam Rinzel

The 2022 25 overall pick has had an excellent start to his season at the University of Minnesota. With his four goals and nine points in eight games, he leads all Gophers in ice time per InStat Hockey. Rinzel has developed into an all-around defender. At 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, he has outstanding size, incredible reach, and has been very physical this season.

Just stay happy and enjoy this 🤩 pic.twitter.com/u9yGMJBgn9

– Minnesota Men's Hockey (@GopherHockey) October 26, 2024

His downhill shooting has been a huge asset for the Gophers this season, as he lets go of the heavy wrists that hold him and unleashes them on opposing netminders. As a right-handed shooting blueliner, his value to the organization cannot be underestimated, as he should be a major contributor to the Blackhawks in the future.

Oliver Moore

The 19th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft had a good start to the NHL season, scoring 5 points in 10 games for the University of Minnesota. The Blackhawks hope that the 19-year-old will continue to improve his hockey sense, handling skills, and playmaking skills, which will go along with his high-quality swing skills. The points will come from a Gophers team loaded with talent this season, which already has a 9-1 record to show for it.

Sascha Boisvert

The University of North Dakota Freshman was recently named the NCHC Rookie of the Week after a three-point performance against ECAC favorite Cornell University. Many are already drawing comparisons between Boisvert and Jonathan Toews, as both are two-way centers, draft picks of the Blackhawks, and wear number nine at UND. Before playing at North Dakota, Boisvert played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, where he scored 36 goals and 68 points in 61 games in 2023-24.

The important thing to remember about prospects is that development is not linear. Some players take longer to figure it out than others, and some players don't. As the Blackhawks continue to rebuild, they have acquired a number of draft picks, which have helped their team hope to grow into one of the best and deepest in the NHL.