Artyom Levshunov has a massive decision to make with Michigan State hockey

Michigan State hockey star Artyom Levshunov was selected No. 2 overall in the NHL draft on Friday night by the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Michigan State defenseman was projected to go either No. 2 or No. 3 overall so this pick wasn't a surprise but he becomes just the third Spartan to ever be selected in the top five. He's also going to be faced with a massive decision now that he's about to receive a contract from the Chicago Blackhawks.

With the looming contract facing Levshunov, he has to decide whether he's going to stay in the NHL or come back for one more season at Michigan State.

This is also a decision that the Blackhawks need to make. I doubt they'd draft someone No. 2 overall who wasn't at least somewhat ready for the NHL ranks but they could tell him that he needs one more year of development under Adam Nightingale. If that's the case, the decision could kind of be made for him, but it's still up to him in the end.

We saw Trey Augustine drafted by the Red Wings and decide to come back this offseason for one more year with the Spartans and Nightingale has even said that multiple players have opted to turn down contracts to return for one more season, at least.

If Levshunov does decide to come back and finish business in the NCAA ranks with Michigan State, the Spartans will be national title contenders and maybe Big Ten favorites again. But this decision could change the entire outlook of the 2024-25 season for Spartan hockey.