Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov is an intriguing prospect because he closely follows Celebrini as a high-floor player.
"Levshunov might be the most NHL-ready player in this year's draft with the size (6-2, 205) and skill set that helped him have 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games as an 18-year-old college freshman," Adam Kimelman of NHL.com wrote.
Kimelman mocked Levshunov to the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 2, as did Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com, Bleacher Report's Jake Rill and Wheeler. Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News, however, predicted that Chicago will favor SKA St. Petersburg wing Ivan Demidov instead.
"When you have the chance to pair Connor Bedard with Demidov and replicate the [Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane] model that brought them three Cups, you do it," Ferrari wrote.
Herman and Stuart, for what it's worth, have Demidov as the second-ranked prospect on the B/R board—though they admitted that he's a "hard player to project" coming out of the MHL.
There could be some real intrigue at No. 2, as the Blackhawks decide whether to pair 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard with a standout defender or a top-tier scorer. Most mocks, though, appear to favor the defensive route.
"After selecting a franchise-altering center in Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks can focus on finding a game-changer on defense," Kimelman wrote.
If Levshunov doesn't go second overall, he's unlikely to be on the board for long. Ferrari paired him with the Anaheim Ducks at No. 3 in his mock.
