Artyom Levshunov's professional career will begin later than originally scheduled.
The Chicago Blackhawks' top prospect will miss about four weeks with a foot injury, general manager Kyle Davidson announced Friday, per NBC's Charlie Roumeliotis.
Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit will also miss roughly four more weeks after undergoing meniscus surgery in August.
Though nothing was officially determined, Levshunov, the 2024 No. 2 pick, was expected to begin his pro career with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs.
Levshunov, a 6-foot-2 right-shot defenseman, recorded 35 points in 38 games as a freshman at Michigan State last season. The Belurusian signed his entry-level contract in July.
Chicago signed Brossoit to a two-year contract with a $3.3-million average annual value as a free agent in the offseason to share the crease with Petr Mrazek.
Arvid Soderblom projects to fill in at the NHL level while Brossoit is on the shelf.
Brossoit, 31, posted a stellar .927 save percentage in 23 games as Connor Hellebuyck's backup with the Winnipeg Jets last season. He's appeared in 140 career games across 10 NHL seasons.
The Blackhawks open the campaign Oct. 8 in Utah.
