The Chicago Blackhawks opened rookie camp with a tough, demanding skate. Rockford IceHogs coach Jared Nightingale didn’t sugarcoat the plan. He called the session a “blue-collar, gut-check type of practice” by design. It was physical, it was fast, and it pushed the prospects right away. Out of that grind, a few names rose above the rest: Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and Nick Lardis.
Artyom Levshunov – Healthy and Hungry
Levshunov wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s a top prospect. He used his big frame to separate players from the puck, showed confidence moving it up ice, and looked sharper than last year.
This summer he trained in Florida with longtime Belarusian coach Kirill Metlyuk, while also skating alongside NHL veterans. The difference showed.
“I feel great this year. I’m healthy. I’m ready… excited to keep getting better.”
He also credited his short NHL stint for shaping his focus:
“The time I spent in the NHL helped me a lot… to feel my game. I tried to just improve small things during the summer. It was a big influence for me.”
Levshunov looked more comfortable, more confident, and ready to grow with Chicago’s young defensive group.
Sam Rinzel – Bigger Frame, Bigger Game
Rinzel showed up stronger and heavier, tipping the scale near 195 pounds after being closer to 180 last year. You could see it in puck battles where he didn’t get pushed around.
“A lot of shakes. It’s always easier to drink the calories.”
He didn’t just bulk up, though. Rinzel worked on his offensive side, trying to make his shot more deceptive from the point.
“I wanted to get better with my shot… just being able to change the angle more and find little holes at the point. It’s a small window you’ve got to get it through.”
The NHL taste he got last year gave him confidence, but he’s still keeping it humble:
“It does give you that little confidence… but I’ve got to earn it just like everyone else.”
Nick Lardis – Goal Scorer’s Swagger
Lardis came in with a spark in his step and the same quick release that lit up the OHL. Every time he touched the puck in scoring areas, he looked dangerous.
He spent the summer skating in Muskoka with NHL stars like John Tavares, Dylan Cozens, Brandon Montour, and Evan Bouchard, and it clearly gave him a boost.
“I had a good five months to recover… got a lot stronger, did a lot of battle drills, a lot of pro guys too. Feeling ready to go for camp.”
He admitted this camp feels different, with junior hockey behind him:
“The past couple years you kind of get the sense you’re going back to junior… but this year it’s a good opportunity for me to turn pro and kind of stay here, whether that’s Rockford or Chicago.”
And he laughed about NHL players chirping him about his OHL scoring record:
“I’d score sometimes and they’d be like, ‘Oh, that’s 70 right there.’”
That confidence carried straight into rookie camp drills.
Oliver Moore – Speed Is Still His Edge
Moore didn’t need long to remind everyone he’s one of the fastest skaters in the system. Even while shaking off some rust after months without game action, his top gear separated him from the pack. Once scrimmages begin, that speed will be even harder to miss.
AJ Spellacy – Energy and Explosiveness
Spellacy had a strong first day, combining quick legs with a more powerful shot. He battled hard in tight spaces and didn’t back down against bigger bodies. That mix of speed and compete level stood out.
Nathan Behm – Strong Impression
Behm quietly had one of the better all-around showings. He protected the puck well, skated with purpose, and showed the kind of reliability that coaches notice. It was a strong opening day for him.
Marek Vanacker – Hard Work Every Shift
Vanacker brought effort from the first whistle. He skated hard, worked in every drill, and showed commitment in the details. He may not have had a highlight moment, but the work ethic was impossible to miss.
Final Word: Blackhawks prospects rose to the test
Day 1 at rookie camp showed plenty to be excited about for Chicago fans. Levshunov looked strong and confident, Rinzel’s added muscle is paying off, and Lardis carried himself like a pure goal scorer ready for the next level. Moore, Spellacy, Behm, and Vanacker also made their presence known.
Scrimmages will raise the intensity, but the early message was clear: Chicago’s young talent is ready to push for more.
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