Artyom Levshunov was the first defenseman selected 2nd overall in the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas.

Artyom Levshunov: “Finally, I’m drafted. I was waiting for this 18 years. Finally somewhere. Not somewhere — in Chicago! Feels real now. Now it feels like a dream came true. Now it feels real.”

The sphere held many wonders, not only in the shape of the building, but in the yearning for many prospects to find a home in the NHL. Wondering where their future will take them and when it all begins.

For Levshunov that was right away, as he is considered a top-pairing defenseman with skills, GM’s like Kyle Davidson loves.

So during his first interview as a Blackhawk, he elaborated on his feelings about being drafted today, by the team:

Artyom Levshunov on being drafted No. 2 overall by Chicago: «Dream come true. I’ve been waiting 18 years for this.» #Blackhawks

Levshunov: «It feels real now.»

Levshunov will have development camp and training camp to look forward to as his NHL journey begins with the original-six team, Chicago Blackhawks.

His new teammate Connor Bedard, should help the transition into professional hockey life, that much easier, considering it was only a year ago, Bedard found a home in the Windy City.