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Former NHL scout makes WILD accusation about top draft prospect
Photo credit: MSU Spartans
Artyom Levshunov is one of the most highly ranked prospects available to be drafted in 2024. Some mock drafts have him as high as second overall to the Blackhawks.
However, former NHL scout Grant McCagg suggested on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro that there might be a dubious reason teams would pass on the big, smooth-skater Belarusian D-man.
There is a concern, and I've heard more than one: is he the age he purports to be? This kid has looked 18 for three years... what if he is like 20 years old? How much better is he going to get from here?
It's quite the allegation from McCagg, who essentially accuses Levshunov of lying about his age to boost his stock in the NHL draft - successfully at that, as the defenseman is widely expected to be the first blueliner taken in late June.
Levshunov's physical attributes are a big part of his appeal to teams, so if McCagg is correct that he's farther along in his physical development, it could be a red flag.
However, McCagg seems to be the first person to mention this concern publicly, and the accusation appears like it could be baseless.
Levshunov is listed as being 18 years of age, born October 28, 2005.
As heard on The Sick Podcast - Recrutes Draftcast:
Is Levshunov The 2024 NHL Draft's Most Overrated Prospect? - Prospect Talk #53
Is Levshunov The 2024 NHL Draft's Most Overrated Prospect? - Prospect Talk #53
| POLL | ||
MAI 29 | 474 ANSWERS Former NHL scout makes WILD accusation about top draft prospect Do you think there's any merit to McCagg's accusation? | ||
| Yes | 124 | 26.2 % |
| No | 350 | 73.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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