Blackhawks Locker Room Talk
Blackhawks Practice: Artyom Levshunov Recalled, New Top Line

The Chicago Blackhawks were back on the ice at Fifth Third Arena this morning. Before practice began, the team placed defenseman Louis Crevier on injured reserve. On Saturday, he took a high-hard hit from Johan Gadovich of the Florida Panthers and did not return. Per the team release, Crevier is in concussion protocol. In a bit of a surprise move, the Blackhawks recalled Artyom Levshunov from the Rockford IceHogs.
Artyom Levvhunov Arrives in Chicago, Sort Of
The Blackhawks quickly pointed out that the Levshunov recall is not a declaration that the second overall pick of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft was ready for the NHL. The organization will use a couple of extra practice days while the AHL is on their All-Star to get a close-up look at their top prospect.
“With the AHL currently on their All-Star break, we felt this would be a good opportunity for Arty’s development to come and get some NHL-level practice experience, something he was not able to do during training camp this season due to injury,” general manager Kyle Davidson in a statement. While we don’t expect him to see any game action during his recall, we’re confident the experience will be a positive one for Arty as he continues on his developmental path.”
The first thing that stood out when I saw Levshunov for the first time in person was his size. Before the drills started, he took a couple of leisurely laps with Pat Maroon, and there was not much of a size difference between them. Having a defenseman with that size who moves as well as Levshunov is certainly exciting.
The Blackhawks front office paid close attention to today’s practice as Davidson watched intently from his perch with assistant general managers Brian Campbell and Norm Maciver.
Levshunov was excited to be in Chicago today. Beyond needing to win more games, he said that his season is going well in Rockford. The rookie defender mentioned that he’s improved as the season has gone because he’s playing faster and harder now. Interim head coach Anders Sorensen has also seen the progression in Levshunov’s game.
“His overall game, as far as gapping up on guys,” he said. “He’s a smooth skater, but it seems like his intensity and decision-making have improved when he’s under pressure. Coming from college to the pro level, there’s a different pace to the game, so it’s a big step for him to be up here.”
New Linemates for Connor Bedard
Sorensen has kept Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi together on the top line. However, that run looks like it will end on Wednesday night. Bedard was skating on a line with Landon Slaggert and Philipp Kurashev today. Slaggert was added to the first line midway through Saturday’s game and will start there against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday. Kurashev did not go from healthy scratch to the Bedard line; he was holding the place of Ryan Donato, who took a maintenance day.
“He was good all three games,” Sorensen said of Slaggert on the road trip. “He plays the same way up and down the lineup, and gives you the same effort, no matter what. It’s been a positive start for him. He should build off of this and be happy with where he’s at, but also make progress and keep getting better.”
Bertuzzi was bumped down to the third line with Nick Foligno and Frank Nazar, who was back at center.
Winter Classic Uniforms Return
While taking in practice today, it was easy to notice Slaggert, Colton Dach, and Ehtan Del Mastro wearing the brown gloves the Blackhawks wore at the Winter Classic. Since all three players were still in Rockford on New Year’s Eve, it made me believe that those uniforms will be worn again this season. That is indeed the case, as they will wear them against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. Hopefully, the team plays better in them than they did the first time they wore them against the Blues.
Craig Smith Update
Craig Smith was a full participant in practice today. The veteran forward has been out of action with a back injury since Jan. 8. It certainly looks like he will get back into the lineup soon.
“He’s getting closer,” Sorensen said. “He was out there today and took some contact, so hopefully, he responds tomorrow.”
It will be an interesting roster move when he comes off injured reserve. Do you reassign Slaggert, who has been very good since coming back up? Or do you try to pass Kurashev through waivers and send him down to Rockford? The team is also carrying two extra defensemen, and with Levshunov going back before the weekend, the likely scenario is to have two extra forwards on the roster. The March 7 trade deadline should open up some roster spots to make room for the young players who deserve to be out there.