ARTYOM LEVSHUNOV

2025-02-27

Scout: Grant Campbell

Skating:

He can certainly turn it up if he wants with his explosive first two or three strides. He needs to remember to move his feet in his own end as he can be passive/reactive at times and stop moving. He's an excellent skater when he turns that switch on a few times per game.

Passing/Handling:

Levshunov has very good hands, whether receiving or giving passes. He can stickhandle well for a defender and protects the puck very well. He's one of those players in the OZ, who you expect good things to happen when he touches the puck.

Shooting:

He has a very good one-timer and a good quick snap shot, that he likes to bring to the middle of the ice. It's a heavy shot, that can beat goalies without a screen or tip from distance. Whether that translates to the NHL, we will see.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

He has excellent vision in the OZ and finds open teammates and open seams to get his shot through to the net. His anticipation makes up for some his defensive deficiencies and lack of urgency without the puck. He appears to be in control of the situation when he is on the ice but his passiveness can get him in trouble at times. We need to remind ourselves that this kid is just 19, playing in the AHL.

Forechecking:

He is strong on the puck along the boards, but could use his body more than just his strong stick to win the puck. He's not a very physical player even though he has the size. He prefers to wait for the situation to come to him, rather than initiate any contact. He will need to improve this aspect of his game in the NHL.

Defense:

He has very good gap control and a very good stick that he uses to disrupt passes in lanes. He is reactive instead of proactive at this stage and will need to improve that. He can be beat to the outside and/or one on one at times. He does get caught up ice sometimes so will need to choose his spots better. He has the potential to be a much better defender than he is now.

Best Asset:

His passing, shot, stickhandling and poise are his biggest assets at the moment. As a coach or teammate, you want the puck on his stick in most areas of the ice.

Biggest Concern:

He can appear to coast at times and not play with a sense of urgency, especially in his own end. It might be just his calm style, but I'd like to see him turn the switch more than a few times per game.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Top two defender with QB1 duties on the power play.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He reminds me of a young Drew Doughty, but with less physicality and shot blocking. He has a bit of Brent Burns in him as well, but just in a slightly smaller package.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Top four defender, QB2 on PP.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His defensive shortcomings, lack of elite quarterbacking abilities and motor might hold him back from reaching his full potential

Stylistic Comparable:

"

Brent Burns, John Carlson or Drew Doughty are the ceiling. I don't see him dropping to a floor of Rasmus Ristolainen"

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Levshunov has some aspects of his game to improve, but his positives, should translate into a player who plays at least 20 minutes per game and can produce 35-45 points at the NHL level. Just don't expect hits or blocked shots as well.

Games Scouted:

AHL 02/08/25; AHL 12/31/24