NHL Draft 2024 Odds: Levshunov to the Blackhawks?

Although it appears unlikely that Michigan State’s Artyom Levshunov will be the first pick, the highly-touted offensive defenseman won’t have to wait long to hear his name.

The Belarusian star figures to join the new wave of young talent in Chicago. The Blackhawks drafted dynamic center Connor Bedard with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Pairing Bedard with an offensive-minded defenseman seems like the perfect match.

In his first season playing college hockey after a stint in the USHL, Levshunov scored nine goals and 26 assists in 38 games. He was incredibly efficient for the Spartans, with a 27 +/- rating during his time in East Lansing.

B1G Freshman and Defensive POTY Artyom Levshunov and @MSU_Hockey are just getting started. 😏 pic.twitter.com/1xy6PZldlW

— Big Ten Hockey (@B1GHockey) March 29, 2024

Levshunov won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards for the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot-2 Levshunov is an incredibly polished defenseman for being only 18 years old.

He can jump up in the rush, win puck battles along the boards, and clear out bodies in front of the net. He does all this with elite handling, accuracy, and shot power. After impressing at the 2024 NHL Draft Combine, Levshunov may have solidified his standing as the second pick.

If the Blackhawks want to add more offense to their roster, they have the option of drafting right-winger Ivan Demidov. The roughly 6-foot Russian currently plays in the Russian Junior Hockey League.

Demidov’s talent is undeniable, but when will he make the trip from Russia to North America? Even before then, when will Demidov have an opportunity to play a full season for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL?

There is some concern among teams about Demidov’s status. However, the most likely scenario is that Demidov plays in the KHL in 2024-25, and then heads to the NHL for the 2025-26 campaign. On talent alone, Demidov has an even higher ceiling than Celebrini.

Ivan Demidov remains RED HOT

Down 4-1 in the 3rd period, he tallied twice in regulation and then added the series winner in OT.

Make it 6 goals and 16 points in 8 MHL playoff games pic.twitter.com/Q45BBL97pE

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) March 26, 2024

The quick-twitch puck handler toyed with the competition in the MHL. Demidov scored 23 goals and 37 assists in 30 regular-season games! His domination continued through the postseason, with 11 goals and 17 assists through 17 games.

He’s not a big forward and will have to earn his pay based on pure playmaking. Demidov won’t step in and push many NHL players around. The Blackhawks are reportedly meeting with Demidov in Florida, so they have some interest!

Demidov is viewed as more of a gamble than Levshunov, but his potential is as high as you can get in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Zeev Buium has some solid betting value with an over/under of 7.5. I have Buium going off the board at No. 6 to the Utah Hockey Club or No. 7 to the Ottawa Senators.

Zeev Buium with a big goal! 👀@usahockey | @DU_Hockey | #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/8IcViqEn5n

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 5, 2024

The most likely scenario is the Senators drafting the American defenseman to strengthen their blue line. Buium was nothing but a winner at the University of Denver. He’s a silky-smooth passer and has elite speed for a defenseman.

Buium is one of our best NHL Draft picks at Under 7.5 selections!

• Over 12.5 (-105)
• Under 12.5 (-125)

Here is another NHL Draft 2024 betting pick with top value. Could Konsta Helenius potentially tank and slide down the board? It’s possible, but I see him sneaking inside the top 12, with the potential of being a top 10 pick.

The versatile Finnish center isn’t regarded as highly as Demidov, but they have a similar skill set. Standing at only 5-foot-11, Helenius is a dynamic playmaker who has a knack for making those around him better.

Coming from the top league in Finland, the 18-year-old has gained invaluable experience against quality players. Helenius with the 11th or 12th pick is my NHL Draft 2024 prediction, so consider backing him on the Under 12.5.

• Over 25.5 (+130)
• Under 25.5 (-170)

It would need to take a massive fall from grace to see Sacha Boisvert fall out of the top 25. The big French forward can contribute in the offensive and defensive zone. He is one of the safer picks past the 20th selection in the first round.

In his second season with the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, Boisvert buried 36 goals, 32 assists, and 68 points in 61 games! I don’t envision a team passing on Boisvert if he falls to them with the 22nd to 25th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.