Michigan State University hockey star Artyom Levshunov selected number 2 in NHL draft

For the first time in two decades, a player from the Michigan State ice hockey team was selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.

On Friday night, star defender Artyom Levshunov was the last Spartan drafted and went to the Blackhawks as the number 2 pick.

This selection comes as no surprise, as the No. 1 pick was all but decided and Levshunov was considered the second or third best prospect in this year’s draft. Now that he’s been selected, he faces a difficult decision: stay in the NHL or go back to Michigan State to finish what he started? If he stays in the league, he’ll have to feel ready for the NHL, as he’s too old for the AHL. If he does return, however, he could help lead one of the deepest rosters in college hockey to its first national title in nearly 20 years.

This is a well-deserved selection for one of the best defenders in the country, and he also averaged nearly a point per game at Michigan State, so he can do it all.

Levshunov would be a great addition to the Blackhawks, but if he does indeed decide to return, Adam Nightingale will have one of the most physical teams in the nation. Expectations will be high and it will be a national title or two, especially if Trey Augustine decides to return as well.

Michigan State hockey hasn’t been like this in decades, folks. Enjoy Nightingale’s performance.