Chicago Blackhawks prospect Artyom Levshunov is slowly adjusting to AHL life in Rockford

In the first seconds of Rockford’s game against the Iowa Wild last Monday, Artyom Levshunov glided down the defensive zone wall as his goalie handled the puck behind the net. Not expecting a pass, the defenceman watched, stick at his hip, as a forechecker rushed past him, stole the puck, and fired on net. The shot rebounded to the corner to another opponent. Still in a glide, the defenceman slid down to apply pressure, but the next pass bounced around him to an attacker in the slot. The goalie absorbed the shot.

On the ensuing defensive-zone faceoff, now more engaged and aware, Levshunov immediately intercepted the opposition’s first play, spotted a teammate speeding away, and fired a long stretch pass.

On that play, the defenceman picked up his 18th assist of the season. He added his 19th a