Artyom Levshunov is a beacon of positivity. It’s one of many 19-year-old’s admirable qualities. In most interviews, he brings humor, a smile, and an optimistic outlook.
The 2024 second-overall choose was recalled from the Rockford IceHogs on Feb. 3 to apply with the Blackhawks (he was re-assigned to Rockford on Feb. 5). However his jolly disposition was laborious to overlook in his media classes. It’s one thing that would assist him in his future NHL profession.
Levshunov’s Positivity on Show
I discussed Levshunov’s character earlier than as a potential motive the Blackhawks had been drawn to him, and it was on show once more. Amid one other horrible season for the Blackhawks, a lot of the joy comes from prospects like Frank Nazar and Landon Slaggert. As Connor Bedard stated, “It’s enjoyable. Everybody that comes up is so excited to be within the NHL every single day, and that brings quite a lot of positivity to our room.” (from ‘Connor Bedard dazzles, Landon Slaggert energizes as Blackhawks’ youth motion continues’ – The Athletic – 01/28/2025)
Although Levshunov was solely recalled to attend practices, his pleasure was palpable. After being recalled, he stated, “I used to be so blissful. I used to be actually excited to return right here. Yeah, it’s cool.” Furthermore, the Blackhawks’ social media posted a “Get to Know Levshunov” video and one of many questions requested was, “What’s your favourite day of the week?” Levshunov responded, “I feel every single day is nice.”
He has this glass-half-full angle the place nothing appears to maintain him down, and it made me surprise if that may complement his acclaimed defensive recreation all through his profession.
Blackhawks Can Profit From Their Gamers’ Mindset
Dallas Eakins, not too long ago often called the previous head coach of the Anaheim Geese, wrote a characteristic for NHL.com on the mindset challenges all NHL groups face. He had quite a lot of nice issues to say, however this summed it up:
“Profitable and unsuccessful teams every have the identical problem. Every should make use of nice self-discipline and possess a educated mindset to have the ability to get their heads to impartial, get to a peaceful place whereas the whole lot unfavourable or constructive swirls round them.
That is the place they’ll get their ideas and perspective organized and never let their circumstance turn out to be one thing they’re not. The following apply or subsequent recreation has nothing to do with a three-game profitable streak or shedding skid. There’s all the time the subsequent recreation, going through a brand new workforce the place the lineup could also be barely totally different and also you’re enjoying in a distinct constructing or time zone.
Every group should take that single day and put together to ‘Win That Day’ in each side. They can’t be caught prior to now, beating themselves up over losses and can’t postpone coaching to seek out some consolation due to just a few wins.”
This appears easy, making me query the correlation between angle and play on the ice. So, I related with a few of my colleagues for perception into younger, profitable gamers and the way their positivity has helped them. I’ve just a few examples.
Mark Scheig, Columbus Blue Jackets contributor, talked about Adam Fantilli, who has 15 factors in his final 16 video games and has his workforce within the Wild Card hunt. Scheig talked about his smiley demeanor and elaborated, “He is aware of the best way to be a professional at such a younger age. Even when he’s annoyed, he exhibits it in a approach the place you may inform he gained’t be mad for lengthy. I feel this totally helps him put the previous behind him faster, realizing he’s able to rebounding.”
Moritz Seider of the Detroit Pink Wings was described as a “happy-go-lucky man” by just a few, and the defenseman has 33 factors in 54 video games and has his workforce in a Wild Card spot.
For some Blackhawks examples, Ryan Donato involves thoughts. He has been one among their gamers this season, being the third-best scorer. Former head coach Luke Richardson stated about Dontato in October, “The blokes pull for him as a result of he tries so laborious and tries to do the appropriate issues on a regular basis. I’m glad to see him get rewarded . . . as a result of he goes to these laborious areas. He’s bleeding out of the nostril and the lip, and he’s coming to the bench smiling as a result of he’s acquired a purpose.’’ (from ‘Ryan Donato is ‘on fireplace proper now’ — and Chicago Blackhawks are on guard for Patrick Kane hype’ – Chicago Tribune – 11/06/2024)
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Even Pat Maroon talked about Lukas Reichel’s nice angle amid his higher season, or Louis Crevier, who has been a standout on protection this 12 months. His mindset is just like Levshunov’s, saying, “It’s by no means a foul day once you’re up right here [NHL], so it’s cool.”
The listing is countless. Nevertheless, the purpose is that gamers with a constructive mindset are nice for particular person and workforce success.
But, as Eakins identified, “To come back in and preach to be constructive when you find yourself coping with nice adversity can come off as disingenuous, a little bit of an act, and even fraudulent. The massive secret is to not be unfavourable.”
That applies to the Blackhawks, as it’s the NHL, and it’s laborious to remain constructive when you find yourself one of many worst groups within the league, particularly for years. Head coach Anders Sorensen was requested in regards to the low morale within the room, and he preached communication. Total, wins assist.
However Levshunov and different prospects and gamers who can finally affect the room whereas they construct their approach again up are one other essential consider attending to the place they wish to be. It’s additionally one more reason for followers to be hopeful.
