It's now official, Chicago Blackhawks top prospect could miss the beginning of the season due to an injury

This timeline would keep him out for the entire training camp and potentially the start of the regular season. The injury occurred when Levshunov, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick, took a puck to the foot earlier this month. He will spend at least the next two weeks in a walking boot.

Though Levshunov was not guaranteed a spot on the opening night roster, missing all of training camp significantly reduces his chances of starting the season with the Blackhawks. It's now more likely that he will begin his professional career with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Levshunov, a 6'2" right-shot defenseman, turns 19 next month and had an outstanding season at Michigan State, leading their defence with 35 points in 38 games and earning both Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honours.

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson aims to give young defensemen time to develop in Rockford, signing veterans T.J. Brodie and Alec Martinez to bolster the NHL roster. Levshunov, a right-shot defenseman, likely had the clearest path to the NHL lineup, unlike other prospects like Wyatt Kaiser, Kevin Korchinski, and Isaak Phillips, who are left-shot defensemen. If Levshunov's recovery takes the full six weeks, he could debut in late October and still play up to nine NHL games before his entry-level contract activates.

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