“Artyom Levshunov’s Secret to Success: Master the Art of Speaking Softly and Dominating the Game!”

Artyom Levshunov, a freshman at Michigan State and a highly regarded prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft, is thoroughly enjoying his time in East Lansing. In his green uniform, he stands out against the black and white backdrop of the boards and ice.

Describing Artyom as a reserved interviewee would be an understatement, especially considering English is not his first language. However, this is entirely understandable. Despite his quiet demeanor, the Belarusian defenseman and promising NHL draft prospect compensates for it with his impactful performance on the ice for the Spartans.

Originally hailing from Belarus, Levshunov, pronounced Lev-Shnoff, has lived up to expectations at Michigan State, maintaining a point-per-game record in his inaugural NCAA campaign. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 198 pounds, he possesses the size coveted by NHL scouts and demonstrates his commitment to further development through dedicated gym work.

 

Will Morlock, the head of athletic performance for MSU hockey, describes Levshunov as “uncommon” and praises his excellence in all aspects of training. Morlock highlights not only Levshunov’s physical attributes but also his mindset and intent, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of improvement.

Levshunov expresses his appreciation for the facilities and the support staff at Michigan State, stating, “It’s awesome. We’ve got everything for our development. We have a good strength coach in Will, and he helps us a lot.”

Having previously played in the USHL with Green Bay, Levshunov excelled as a rookie, finishing fifth among defensemen in points. Now facing older competition in the NCAA, he acknowledges the heightened challenge but embraces the faster, smarter, and more physical nature of college hockey.

Coach Adam Nightingale commends Levshunov’s rare ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence. Despite his young age, Levshunov showcases poise on the power play and continually evolves his game.

In a recent game against top-ranked Wisconsin, Levshunov’s defensive prowess was evident when he successfully neutralized a breakaway opportunity without incurring a penalty. His dedication to his craft is unwavering, to the extent that his coaches sometimes need to encourage him to rest.

When asked about his favorite class at Michigan State, Levshunov humorously declares, “My favorite class? Hockey class. Here, this is my class, and at the rink.”