CHICAGO -- Artyom Levshunov was activated from injured reserve by the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday and was assigned to the Rockford of the American Hockey League.
Earlier Tuesday, the defenseman, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, took part in his first practice with the team since the injury.
"I feel good. I'm excited to get back," Levshunov said at United Center before Chicago hosted the Vancouver Canucks (8:15 p.m. ET; CHSN, SNP). "It was a good practice."
The 18-year-old said he sustained a fracture in his right foot blocking a shot during a 3-on-3 tournament during the offseason but thought everything was fine and continued training. He said the foot was bothering him a bit. He had an MRI one month later, which revealed the fracture.
Levshunov has been skating on his own since Sept. 26.
Prior to being assigned to the AHL, Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said he was unsure if Levshunov would play some NHL games or go straight to Rockford.
"Today was the first morning skate, so hopefully he'll get in a few practices this week and management will make that call, the best spot for him to start because he really missed even rookie camp and training camp," Richardson said. "He’s kind of behind on that part of it."
Levshunov, the third-youngest player in men's college hockey last season, was tied for 10th among NCAA defensemen with 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games with Michigan State. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year and was selected for the All-Big Ten First Team and All-Freshman Team. Levshunov led the Big Ten with a plus-27 rating.
He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Chicago on July 6.
"It was tough (being out). Sort of boring, skating by myself and the skills coach," Levshunov said. "Today, I’m excited to get back with the team."
He has also been learning the Blackhawks' systems, taking part in meetings throughout camp and the early part of the season.
"We've been including him in everything. He's here at the rink and talking to everyone all day," Richardson said. "He’s a talker. He loves spending time talking to people, which is great. It's going to help probably his language barrier and just comfort zone. Being in meetings and learning the system, it'll help him integrate into the organization a lot quicker."
