The Golden Knights head to Anaheim with a 3-2 series lead over the Ducks, and a chance to wrap up their conference semifinal on Thursday, but will do so without one of their top defenders.
Defenseman Brayden McNabb has been suspended for one game for interference against Ducks forward Ryan Poehling during Tuesday's Game 5, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday.
The incident occurred at 8:55 of the first period, when McNabb was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for interference.
The Knights played the rest of the game without McNabb. After allowing the Ducks to tie the game at 2-all in the third period, Vegas won 3-2 in overtime.
"It’s just no sense talking about it ... I just don’t get it, coach John Tortorella said after the game. "High marks for the whole team tonight. I’m proud of the team tonight. Getting down, losing Nabber, one of our top D, losing him - I think he played three minutes - and still finding a way to get things done, to get a win, I’m really proud of the hockey club."
Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger speaks to the media after their Game 5 overtime loss (2-3) to the Vegas Golden Knights.
It can be quite difficult to find your game, especially after being a healthy scratch for 13 consecutive games. But Olen Zellweger looked like he hadn’t missed a beat when he made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in Game 4 of the Ducks’ series against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Zellweger registered a primary assist in Game 4 on defensive partner Ian Moore’s game-winning goal and provided the equalizer late in the third period of Game 5, which helped send the game to overtime. You wouldn’t be able to tell he hadn’t played in a game in more than a month.
“Just practicing hard,” Zellweger said when asked about how he was able to stay in game shape despite not playing in a game for so long. “We’ve got extra time, extra workout sort of thing. You kind of know what it takes to stay in game shape, so I think all the guys who aren't playing are doing a pretty good job of that.”
May 12, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) checks Vegas Golden Knights right wing Cole Smith (22) during the third period of game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Assistant coach Tim Army works with healthy scratches after morning skates, putting them through rigorous conditioning skates once the skaters in that gameday’s lineup have left the ice. He also frequently works with players after practices on improving their skills, whether it’s faceoffs, puck recoveries or board battles.
“He’s been awesome. He does a great job,” Zellweger said. “We do a lot of game-like things. A lot of things that keep us in game shape, too, with skating and tempo over speed sort of stuff. So it was awesome. He's always in a great mood. He's awesome to work with.”
Zellweger said there were a lot of things that went well in the Ducks’ 4-3 win in Game 4, which helped them even the series heading back to Vegas for Game 5. He pointed to the different perspective that he had while watching games from the press box and how he would envision himself in those game situations, to better prepare himself for if he were to end up being down there at any point.
“Overall, I felt fine. I think my timing felt pretty good. Just trying to communicate and get to my spots. When I'm watching from above, I'm trying to see the situations I'd be in, so I didn't feel like it was that crazy. It was a lot of time (being out), but just wanted to go out there and play direct, simple and help the team where I could.”
May 10, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) skates with the puck during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Between Games 3 and 4, head coach Joel Quenneville said that he wanted to incorporate the defensemen offensively as much as they can, and see the team skating at a higher level and doing things quicker. The insertion of Zellweger surely did that.
“I think when there's those opportunities, especially with the skill we have, it can be dangerous for the other team,” Zellweger said. “Jumping in where I can, still having the discipline with our structure. But I think it's harder to defend when we're active, especially at the right times.”
“I loved the shot,” Quenneville said of Zellweger’s Game 5 goal. “He was active, he was skating. He had some possession time, too, as well off the rush or endzone. He was a factor, and good to see him respond in the last couple of games after watching as much as he did. It was a great response.”
“Zelly made a great play there and was able to get himself open and make a great shot,” Cutter Gauthier, who set up Zellweger’s goal, said. “He’s been extremely disciplined with how he carries himself on and off the ice this whole season. When he heard his name called these last handful of games, he was ready to go. Kudos to him for having a great mindset these last few months, it pays off with the big goal.”
May 12, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (1) makes a save as defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) checks Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden (21) during an overtime period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Zellweger received more ice time down the stretch in Game 5, which led to him being on the ice for that game-tying goal. He played nearly 17 minutes, with almost all of it coming at even strength.
“Commend him,” Quenneville said. “That’s a great attribute to show, his competitiveness. Stayed with it. Professional for a young kid, knowing that you lose your lifetime dream of not playing in a playoff game. And then he bided his time, he worked his tail off, getting himself not just conditionally ready for it, but mentally. That was the thing that we were all appreciative of, how he approached it mentally and prepared himself to be a part of it and contribute in a meaningful way, and he did more than we were expecting.”
Anaheim is facing elimination for the first time this postseason, entering Game 6 down 2-3 after falling in overtime to the Golden Knights in Game 5. Confidence has been unwavering in the Ducks locker room, with a sense that they can push the Golden Knights to the brink.
“Yeah, a ton of confidence. I know this group is going to bounce back,” Zellweger said. “I think we have all playoffs long. We're going to take a few lessons from this one, and then ready to go.”
“Everyone knows it's an elimination game in the room, but it's not something that's really talked about or said if everyone knows it,” Gauthier said. “Everyone’s gonna give just a little bit extra to try to get the win and force a game seven, so I’ve got confidence in the group that we'll get that job done.”
NEW YORK (AP) — Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb has been suspended for Game 6 of the team's second-round playoff series at Anaheim on Thursday night for his late hit that injured Ducks center Ryan Poehling.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the suspension Wednesday, hours after holding a disciplinary hearing with him about the hit.
McNabb was given a 5-minute major penalty for interference and ejected 9 minutes into Game 5 on Tuesday night. While the hit was shoulder to shoulder, it came long after the puck was gone.
The back of Poehling's head hit the glass, and he was wobbly when he tried to stand back up. Teammates helped him off the ice, and the team ruled him out for the rest of the game because of an upper-body injury.
McNabb missed most of Game 5 for the first period hit, which left Poehling woozy. McNabb received a five-minute major for interference and game misconduct. Poehling left the game with assistance and didn't return.
The NHL Player Safety department said Poehling was no longer eligible to be checked at the time he was.
"With the puck having long been cleared away from Poehling and with sufficient time to elect to avoid or minimize contact, McNabb instead finishes the hit with considerable force," the NHL Player Safety department said in its suspension video.
Brayden McNabb has been assessed a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Ryan Poehling 😬
Poehling needed assistance getting off the ice and has gone to the locker room 🤕 pic.twitter.com/hhHsqZlpzB
The Golden Knights lead the second round series 3-2 and can clinch a trip to the Western Conference final with a Game 6 win on Thursday night in Anaheim.
McNabb will be eligible to return in Game 7, if there is one, or in Game 1 of the conference finals if Vegas wins Thursday. The defenseman has averaged 20 minutes a game in the playoffs, with one goal, two assists, 22 blocked shots and 23 hits.
The Minnesota Wild are trying to avoid elimination against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The Avalanche will advance with one more victory. The Avalanche are favored by 1.5 goals. The over/under is set at 6.5.
How to watch Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski is one of the team's most promising prospects. There is a reason why the Blackhawks selected the skilled blueliner with the seventh-overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Korchinski is still looking to cement himself as a full-time NHL defenseman at this point in his career. The 21-year-old has played in 105 career NHL games over three seasons, but 76 of them came during the 2023-24 campaign when he was a rookie. With this, he has seen limited NHL action in recent years, but that certainly should change next season.
Korchinski had another solid year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, as he recorded two goals, 24 assists, and 26 points in 53 games. With this and the Blackhawks' blueline being less crowded, Korchinski has a good shot of being a regular on their NHL roster throughout next season.
When noting that Korchinski is still very young and has a ton of potential, it is hard to bet against him breaking out next season for Chicago. If he can hit that next level and cement himself as an impactful NHL defenseman, it would be huge for a Blackhawks club that is looking to take a step forward next season.
After emerging as the Los Angeles Kings' top candidate on the coaching vacancy radar a few days ago, the Vegas Golden Knights have not yet allowed Los Angeles to speak with Bruce Cassidy.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Kings have not yet been given permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy in their coaching search, similar to reports yesterday about the Edmonton Oilers, who are also bidding to hire a former Stanley Cup champion.
Per Elliotte, the Kings have also not been given permission yet to speak with Bruce Cassidy in their coaching search, similar to reports yesterday about Edmonton. https://t.co/IcYhZyPOfc
It's another fight between the Oilers and the Kings, this time it's off the ice, with both teams fighting for the same coach who is on their radar and happens to be a former Stanley Cup winner as a coach and a Jack Adams winner and finalist.
Cassidy will likely interview with both teams as soon as Vegas grants them a chance to meet with the former Jack Adams Award winner. It's gonna come down to which team Cassidy thinks is the best fit for him long-term and which team he can build for the future and win with for many years.
“As of last night, I was told that the Oilers and Kings, neither one has permission to talk to him yet,” Friedman on Bruce Cassidy. https://t.co/BqcgP41czm
There could be another team that no one is talking about that will be interested in Cassidy, and maybe the Golden Knights will allow that team to interview Cassidy because they don't want one of their two divisional rivals to land their former head coach in the same division as them.
It remains to be seen which direction the Kings will eventually take in their head-coaching search. With free agency approaching, the Kings will be under pressure to improve this roster once their coaching search is complete, following Anze Kopitar's farewell.
With the Kings still very interested in Cassidy despite Vegas blocking the interview, will they move in a different direction with the coaching search, or will they wait until Vegas greenlights an interview?
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The Pittsburgh Penguins should be looking to add more young talent to their roster this off-season. One player who would make a lot of sense for the Penguins to consider targeting because of this is Florida Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich.
Samoskevich is entering the off-season as a pending restricted free agent and is due for a nice raise from his $775,000 salary this year. With the Panthers having limited cap space, the Penguins should kick tires on the 2021 first-round pick's availability.
If the Penguins acquired Samoskevich, he would give them another promising forward with good upside. The 23-year-old is coming off a solid season with the Panthers, as he scored 12 goals and set new career highs with 20 assists and 32 points in 77 games. This is after he had 15 goals and 31 points in 72 games with the Panthers during the 2024-25 season.
With numbers like these, Samoskevich has already shown that he can provide solid secondary offensive production at the NHL level. However, with Samoskevich being so young, he certainly has the potential to hit a new level. He could do just that in a more significant role on a team focused on the future like the Penguins.
It will be interesting to see if the Penguins end up making a push for Samoskevich, but the fit looks good on paper.
Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear just can't stop racking up the points for the WHL's Everett Silvertips in their best-of-seven WHL Championship Series against the Prince Albert Raiders.
Bear, who already has three goals in the series, upped his postseason point total to 21 points in 16 games played, thanks to his pair of assists, helping the Silvertips take a two games to one series lead over the Raiders with a 3-2 win.
He assisted on teammate Matias Vanhanen's first period goal, followed by another helper on Julius Miettinen's game-winning goal in the third period.
Carter Bear(1st round’25) 2 Assists +2 4 shots 4 PIMs in a 3-2 win. Tips lead the series 2-1. Bear was everywhere tonight. Multiple chances, a post, 2 assists, countless scrums, 4 penalties drawn. #LGRW Mix. pic.twitter.com/OEVRYbqesx
— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) May 13, 2026
Bear, Detroit's first round (13th overall) pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was described as "a very intelligent hockey player" with a high compete level by GM Steve Yzerman, who made the selection in late June.
"I think (we’re) getting a very intelligent hockey player, extremely competitive, and at the junior level, he really can score,” Yzerman said. "And we think all of his game translates to the NHL as well. I think our fan base will really take to him when the time comes that he’s playing for the Red Wings because he competes hard. He’s a really good person. We’re very excited about this pick."
Yzerman, who indicated that there were trade discussions with a handful of other unnamed NHL clubs, said that the intention was to remain pat at No. 13 overall to select Bear.
“We had a couple of teams call us as our pick was coming near to see if we would move back,” Yzerman said. “As long as Carter was on the board, we were prepared to stay there. In fact, there’s a couple of other players as well, had he been selected, that we would have been more than happy with selecting.”
Bear and the Silvertips will try and pick up another crucial win in Game 4 against the Raiders, which is scheduled for Wednesday evening.
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UPDATE: Added a goal scorer prediction + who will win prediction.
The Anaheim Ducks are in do-or-die mode, needing to beat the Vegas Golden Knights to keep their season alive.
My Golden Knights vs. Ducks predictions expect them to do just that, with Leo Carlsson leading the charge.
Let's break down my NHL picks for Thursday, May 14.
Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 6 prediction today
Who will win Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 6?
Ducks: The Ducks have performed very well on home ice during the playoffs, winning four of five games while controlling 55% of the expected goals across all situations. They keep their season alive for at least one more game.
Golden Knights vs Ducks best bet: Leo Carlsson Over 0.5 points (-180)
The 5-on-5 profile is very good, and that's especially important given that there are often fewer penalties called in elimination games. Refs want to keep things at full-strength and 'let the players decide', which sets up well given how well Carlsson has played at 5-on-5.
Carlsson is also more productive on home soil. Playoffs included, he has averaged 1.1 points per game and hit the scoresheet in 70% of his appearances since the calendar flipped to 2026.
Golden Knights vs Ducks same-game parlay
Jackson LaCombe has played a whopping 130 minutes through five games, logging more ice time than any player in this series. Joel Quenneville is going to ride his star defenseman into the ground in a do-or-die game, which only enhances his already strong chances of production.
The Ducks are going to push and be especially aggressive offensively with their season on the line. That will lead to plenty of blocked shot opportunities for Shea Theodore, who leads the Golden Knights in ice time and has averaged 3.1 blocks over the last nine games.
Golden Knights vs Ducks SGP
Leo Carlsson Over 0.5 points
Jackson LaCombe Over 0.5 assists
Shea Theodore Over 1.5 blocked shots
Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 6 goal scorer pick
Cutter Gauthier (+180)
Cutter Gauthier leads the series in shot attempts, shots on goal, scoring chances, and rebounds created.
He is the most prolific goal scorer in the series, and he is getting more looks than anybody. I like his odds of breaking through in Game 6.
Golden Knights vs Ducks odds for Game 6 today
Moneyline: Golden Knights -110 | Ducks -110
Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+220) | Ducks +1.5 (-275)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-140) | Under 5.5 (+120)
Golden Knights vs Ducks trend
The Ducks have hit the first-period game total Over in 17 of their last 20 games (+12.70 Units / 40% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Ducks.
How to watch Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 6
Location
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
Date
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Puck drop
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
TNT, Sportsnet
Golden Knights vs Ducks latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Pittsburgh Penguins took a nice step in the right direction this season by making the playoffs. Now, they will be looking to build off that next season.
One player who should be watched incredibly closely on the Penguins next campaign is forward Rutger McGroarty. The 22-year-old forward is one of the Penguins' top breakout candidates heading into next season, and it would not be surprising if he takes a big step in development because of it.
McGroarty showed clear signs of progress this season in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In 30 games with the AHL squad, he recorded 10 goals and 34 points. This is after he had 14 goals and 39 points but in 60 games for the AHL club during the 2024-25 season.
With this, the Penguins will now be hoping that McGroarty can tap into his potential more next season on their NHL roster. The 2022 first-round pick posted three goals and six points in 24 games this season for Pittsburgh, so it will be interesting to see how much he improves his offense next year in the NHL.
There is a lot to like about McGroarty's game, and it would be huge for the Penguins if he has that big breakout year.
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman David Jiricek from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Bobby Brink on trade deadline day. The move was understandable, as the Flyers need help on their blueline and had a surplus of NHL-caliber wingers. As a result, they are now hoping that Jiricek can become a solid part of their blueline as he continues to develop.
Jiricek undoubtedly showed promise in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms after being acquired by the Flyers. In 15 games with the Phantoms following the move, he recorded two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points. Now, the Flyers will be hoping that he can translate some of his play with the Phantoms this campaign over to next season on their NHL roster.
When noting that Jiricek is still only 22 years old and has good upside, there is no question that he is a breakout candidate to watch for next season. The 2022 sixth-overall pick has the potential to emerge as an impactful NHL defenseman, and it will be interesting to see if he can take that next step with the Flyers in 2026-27 from here.
In 85 career NHL games split between the Columbus Blue Jackets, Wild, and Flyers, Jiricek has recorded two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points.
The Montreal Canadiens might have failed to take a 3-1 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, but that wasn’t because of Alex Newhook. The speedy winger has goals in four of the last five games, and he was the one who first got the Habs on the scoreboard in their 3-2 defeat.
Earlier in the series, Tage Thompson said that everything he touched turned to crap. Newhook is experiencing the exact opposite; it seems like everything he touches turns to gold. With a pair of goals in Games 2 and 3, he became the first Canadiens player since Mark Recchi in 1997 to score multiple goals in consecutive playoff games.
In the same span, Ivan Demidov has also gathered three assists, which will go a long way to making the young Russian more confident. The rookie has struggled to make an impact in these playoffs; he’s yet to find the back of the net, so having someone on his line who can at least complete his plays is essential.
As for Jake Evans, four of his five assists this postseason have come in the last three games while playing with Newhook and Demidov. There’s no doubt that Evans is not in the right chair; he’s not a second-line center, but it works well for the Canadiens, and they have to roll with it for now.
On Tuesday night, Newhook had five shots on goal and seven attempts on net while landing three hits on the forecheck. He’s the only Canadiens player to sport a Stanley Cup ring, he knows what it takes to earn the right to lift Lord Stanley’s mug, and he’s leading by example on the ice.
If some still thought Kent Hughes paid a high price to land Newhook in a deal with the Colorado Avalanche when he sent a first-round pick, a second-round pick and Gianni Fairbrother to Denver, they have quieted down lately. The winger still has another year on his contract, but if he can keep playing as he has all season (in the 42 games he played) and in these playoffs, he could end up being with the Canadiens for a long time.
I’m not crying you’re crying. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was surprised by his family — and his adopted family, the Martins — during a Good Morning America TV performance with the Calder Trophy on Wednesday.
That the 18-year-old phenom took the prize for the NHL’s best rookie in 2025-26 is no surprise; but the way the news was delivered was a poignant, touching moment for a kid who’s been through a lot and turned his story into an example and inspiration for children facing similar heartache. Watch his reaction, and his dad reminding him this is a good day, in the tweet below:
#Isles Matthew Schaefer on @GMA just now was emotional as he was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy surrounded by his family, friends and the Martin family.
The vote to award Schaefer the top spot was reportedly unanimous: all 198 voters listed him at the top of their ballot. That’s a historic achievement not seen in three decades.
#Isles Matthew Schaefer at 18 years, 223 days is youngest ever winner of Calder Trophy, one day younger than Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon in 2014. He’s also the first unanimous recipient since Teemu Selanne (original Winnipeg Jets) in 1993.
Schaefer is the sixth Islander to win the Calder Memorial Trophy, joining Mat Barzal (2018), Bryan Berard (1997), Mike Bossy (1978), Bryan Trottier (1976), and Denis Potvin (1974). He is also the 13th first-overall pick to be awarded the Calder and just the fourth defenseman to do so, joining Aaron Ekblad (2015), Berard and Potvin. Notably, three of those four defensemen played for the Islanders. Schaefer is the eighth player to win the award in their 18-year-old season. At 18 years, 223 days on the final day of the regular season, Schaefer is the youngest Calder Trophy winner in NHL history.
Schaefer had a record-breaking rookie campaign in which he registered 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) over 82 games. He tied Brian Leetch’s record for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season. Schaefer also set NHL records for the most points by an 18-year-old defenseman, average time on ice by an 18-year-old skater (24:41) and the most overtime points (4) by a teenage defenseman. He added another notable milestone on March 24, logging 31:59 of ice time, the most in a single game by any NHL teenager since the statistic began being tracked.
Among his historic accomplishments, Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach both 20 goals and 50 points in a season. He is the first rookie defenseman to lead his draft class to the 20-goal mark and is one of just four rookie defenders ever to reach that milestone. Schaefer is also the youngest player in league history to score an overtime goal and the youngest blueliner to record a power-play goal, game-winning goal, multi-goal game and to have a point in his NHL debut.
The Hamilton, Ontario native led all rookies in average time on ice, power-play goals (8), and shots on goal (222), while tying for first in goals and overtime goals (2). He ranked second in power-play points (18), third in assists and points, tied for third in game-winning goals (4) and fifth in plus/minus rating (+13). Among NHL defensemen, Schaefer finished second in goals and shots on goal, tied for second in power-play goals and ranked ninth in takeaways (38). He led the Islanders in TOI, plus/minus rating and power-play goals, tied for the team lead in overtime goals and ranked second in goals, assists and points.
Schaefer led all NHL defensemen with 38 penalties drawn and was second overall behind Connor McDavid (56). His drawn penalties were the most by a rookie defenseman since P.K. Subban (40) in 2010-11.
Within the Islanders’ record books, Schaefer set franchise highs for the most goals, points, power-play goals, overtime goals and game-winning goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season. He became the fifth rookie – and third rookie defenseman – in franchise history to appear in all 82 games and was one of four Islanders skaters to play a full schedule this season. His 23 goals were the sixth-most in a single campaign by an Islanders blueliner and the most since Hall-of-Famer Denis Potvin in 1981-82, while his plus/minus rating was also the best by an Islanders rookie defenseman since the 1992-93 season.
Pretty, pretty good.
My goodness, we’re going to have some fun watching this kid play for hopefully a very long time.
The Chicago Blackhawks selected Artyom Levshunov out of Michigan State as the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Since then, he has been developing as one of the top prospects in the organization.
Levshunov started his pro career in the AHL during the 2024-25 season before making his NHL debut in the second half. In 2025-26, he played the entire campaign in Chicago with his NHL mates.
In 68 games played, Levshunov had 2 goals and 22 assists for 24 points. He trailed only Louis Crevier among team leaders by a defenseman. Crevier had 25 points in 78 games, so Levshunov had a better points-per-game percentage.
Where things went poorly for Levshunov was decision-making in all three zones, and his ability to defend as a whole leaves a lot to be desired. +/- is a lousy stat compared to some of the newer metrics available, but being -41 (the worst mark in the NHL) is never a great sign.
Ahead of the Olympic break, the Blackhawks put Levshunov on a new development program. Instead of sending him back to the Rockford IceHogs, they scratched him but let him stay with the NHL team so he could focus on certain areas of development.
Levshunov played better once he returned to the post-Olympic break lineup, but there is still a lot of work that needs to take place.
The most important thing the Blackhawks can do at this stage is not to come to any conclusions about his future as an NHL player. No, he didn't start off the way that Matthew Schaefer or Lane Hutson did to begin their NHL careers, but not every highly touted rookie defenseman is on the same pace.
There is always going to be the "Ivan Demidov" people, but there is nothing Levshunov can do to change their minds. The Blackhawks must focus on getting the player they have to his full potential.
Are the Blackhawks doomed if he becomes a solid middle-pair defender instead of a star? Absolutely not. They are still looking for that franchise number one, but there will be other opportunities down the line. Getting Levshunov to a good baseline is the focus right now without overreacting to his first 86 career NHL games.
There were moments during the 2025-26 season that flashed a bit of Levshunov's brilliance. He has good vision and skills with the puck. When he makes the right choice on what to do with it or how to defend an attacking player, it works well.
They took him second overall, so they are going to continue working with him in an attempt to make him a solid every-day NHL contributor. There are plenty of players who make great careers out of that, despite where they are drafted.
The Florida Panthers would draft Aaron Ekblad first overall in 2012 over and over again. He never turned into a Norris Trophy-caliber superstar, but he was a solid anchor on their blue line during some incredible runs.
Levshunov still may become a superstar, but the goal is to build a winning team, and he has the tools to be a part of that.
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