The Anaheim Ducks have built an impressive prospect pipeline over the last few seasons. Last year, they had the second overall pick in the NHL Draft. This year, they pick third overall. This has given them a prime opportunity to add another stalwart talent to their organization. One potential option for Anaheim this year is Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov.
Levshunov played a big role for the Spartans this past season. The freshman rearguard finished second on the team in points (35) and first in plus/minus (+27). He logged major minutes for Michigan State as they went on to win the Big Ten and make the Frozen Four tournament.
Levshunov has shown flashes of a complete two-way game. However, to play a two-way game with legitimate point-per-game offensive production as a teenager is extremely impressive. The Spartans star is able to contribute on the power play and penalty kill with the potential of being a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL.
The Ducks don't necessarily need a defenseman. That said, they don't necessarily need much of anything. Their prospect pipeline has no glaring weakness. This allows them to take the best player available with their third overall selection in a few weeks.
That said, Levshunov is a player the Ducks should certainly consider with their selection. Of all the options available, he is one of the best. Here is why Anaheim must draft Artyom Levshunov with the third overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Artyom Levshunov has undeniable potential
The biggest reason for Anaheim selecting Levshunov is his potential. The Belarusian star has one of the highest ceilings in this NHL Draft class. He stands out as one of the best of an incredibly deep class of defensemen. And he would give the Ducks a force on the blueline they certainly need.
Offensively, Levshunov is a crafty passer already. He leads the team in transition and picks the right moment to join the rush when things open up. Additionally, he plays with confidence, especially under pressure. Levshunov is able to control the puck when cornered and fire off shots with regularity.
On the defensive end, here is a lot to like, as well. His size allows him to win 50/50 battles and simply outmuscle those opposing him. He isn't as refined defensively as he is in the offensive zone. But the Michigan State star has made significant progress since joining the Spartans from the USHL this year.
Levshunov is a great player already, though he is unlikely to make the NHL right away. The polish and refinement in his game is impressive for someone of his age. And with the physical tools he has, he will certainly get better. Without a doubt, his potential at the NHL level is through the roof.
Balancing the blueline
Artyom Levshunov has all the potential in the world. However, there is another aspect of his game that gives him more value. The Belarusian rearguard is a right-hand shot. Right-shot defensemen with his style of play and potential certainly don't come around often. And for the Ducks, his being a right-shot works with their current roster construction.
The Ducks have veteran left-handed defenseman Cam Fowler signed through the 2025-26 season. Behind him, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger played significant roles for Anaheim this past season. Furthermore, both of them are under 21 years old as of now. They are certainly long-term options for the franchise once Fowler hangs up his skates.
The Ducks have further depth on the left side behind them. Urho Vaakanainen and Jackson LaCombe have played games in the NHL and are restricted free agents. Tyson Hinds, Rodwin Dionicio, and Konnor Smith are other left-shot defensemen who are waiting in the wings.
Simply put, they already have a plethora of left-shot defensemen. And at some point, Anaheim will need to move one or more of these players because they won't make the NHL with this franchise. Drafting another left-handed defenseman would make an already crowded position even more crowded.
The Ducks have some room to add a right-shot defenseman after a trade earlier this season. Anaheim traded defenseman Jamie Drysdale to the Philadelphia Flyers. In exchange, they acquired top forward prospect Cutter Gauthier, who had refused to sign with the Flyers.
Artyom Levshunov is a star prospect right now. Additionally, he plays a position that, while not weak, could use some added depth in the Ducks' prospect pipeline. He balances Anaheim's blueline and gives them another high-potential player to build around moving forward. The Ducks have a promising forward core, as well, making the Spartans star an easy pick to make.
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