Michigan State's Artyom Levshunov, left, skates with the puck against Minnesota's Jaxon Nelson on Jan. 26, 2024, in East Lansing, Mich. (Michael Miller/ISI Photos) ...

Artyom Levshunov speaks to the media after being selected by the Chicago Black Hawks with the No. 2 pick during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft on June 28, 2024, in Las Vegas.

It was around 2019 when NHL agent Dan Milstein first heard of Artyom Levshunov, then a 13-year-old defenseman playing in complete obscurity in Belarus’ youth leagues.

Levshunov's father died two years ago at the age of 46 due to heart complications from COVID-19. His mother, Inna, and brother, Kirill, have been following Artyom's progress from afar.

Meet Artyom Levshunov, the 2024 NHL Draft’s ‘incredible’ defense prospect from Belarus. Scott Wheeler. Dec. 6, 2023 Updated June 28, 2024. EAST LANSING, Mich.

Dan Milstein remembers the humble beginnings of Artyom Levshunov’s American journey. Levshunov had lost his father to COVID-19, and his family had been going through hard times financially ...

Artyom Levshunov, center, poses after being selected by the Chicago Blackhawks during the first round of the NHL hockey draft Friday, June 28, 2024, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/Steve Marcus.

Michigan State alum Artyom Levshunov, who was the second overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, has blown everyone away with not just his presence on the ice but also his ability to adapt perfectly ...

Dan Milstein remembers the humble beginnings of Artyom Levshunov’s American journey. Levshunov had lost his father to COVID-19, and his family had been going through hard times financially ...

Michigan State alum Artyom Levshunov, who was the second overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, has blown everyone away with not just his presence on the ice but also his ability to adapt perfectly ...