Ivan Demidov to the Chicago Blackhawks: A Decision by Kyle Davidson Looks Worse and Won't Be Forgotten

Artyom Levshunov's development as the Blackhawks' 2024 first-round pick is under scrutiny as he sits 6th among NHL defensive prospects.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Chicago Blackhawks' decision to draft Artyom Levshunov over Ivan Demidov in the 2024 NHL Draft is coming under increasing scrutiny as Levshunov has struggled to develop and is now ranked 6th among NHL defensive prospects, while Demidov, who was drafted 5th overall by the Montreal Canadiens, is seen as a potential game-breaker. The Blackhawks are in a rebuild and need star power on the blue line, and Levshunov's development will be closely watched as the team tries to build around Connor Bedard.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks are in a critical rebuild and need to hit on their high draft picks, especially on the blue line, to build a contender around Connor Bedard. The decision to pass on Demidov, who many evaluators saw as the superior prospect, is putting pressure on Levshunov to develop quickly and become a cornerstone defenseman for the franchise.

The details

Levshunov, the Blackhawks' 2024 first-round pick, has been struggling in his development and was recently healthy scratched for the team's final three games before the Olympic break to "re-learn hockey fundamentals". He has shown flashes of elite play, but has also had stretches where he has looked overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Demidov, who was drafted 5th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the same 2024 class, is now ranked as the 6th best defensive prospect in the NHL, a ranking that is seen as disappointing for a top-5 pick.

  • Levshunov was the Blackhawks' 2024 first-round pick, selected 2nd overall.
  • Demidov was drafted 5th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The players

Artyom Levshunov

A 20-year-old defenseman who was the Blackhawks' 2024 first-round pick, selected 2nd overall. He has struggled in his development and was recently healthy scratched to "re-learn hockey fundamentals".

Ivan Demidov

A 20-year-old defenseman who was drafted 5th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft. He is now ranked as the 6th best defensive prospect in the NHL, a ranking that is seen as disappointing for a top-5 pick.

Kyle Davidson

The general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, who made the decision to draft Levshunov over Demidov in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Jeff Blashill

The head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, who revealed that Levshunov was healthy scratched for the team's final three games before the Olympic break to "re-learn hockey fundamentals".

Connor Bedard

The young star center that the Blackhawks are building around as they undergo a critical rebuild.

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What they’re saying

“Mostly struggling, but with stretches that look elite.”

— Chicago Prospects (Chicago Prospects)

What’s next

The next milestone for Levshunov is a strong second half of the season that can make his current 6th ranking among NHL defensive prospects look like a temporary blip, not a warning sign. If he can tighten up his defensive game and grow into a role on the power play, the Demidov comparisons may start to fade.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' decision to draft Levshunov over Demidov in 2024 is putting immense pressure on the young defenseman to develop quickly and become a cornerstone of the franchise's rebuild. With the team in desperate need of star power on the blue line, Levshunov's progress will be closely watched, and the Demidov comparison will linger until he can prove he was the right choice.