The acquisition of David Levin to a one-year deal by the Nottingham Panthers is one of the most intriguing signings in recent Elite League history.

Not only is his story in the sport one that fascinates fans, but he’s also the ultimate EIHL boom or bust acquisition.

The Panthers will look like geniuses if he dominates the league but will be ridiculed in some quarters if this high-profile addition fails to pay off.

Born in Israel, Levin played only inline hockey due to the scarcity of ice rinks in the country, the closest around a four-hour journey.

At the age of twelve, he moved to Canada in order to further his career and strive for an NHL dream, staying with relatives who had previously lived in Israel.

Despite speaking no English and still learning to skate, Levin would eventually be selected first overall in the 2015 Overall Selection Draft.
It was a bold decision by the Sudbury Wolves but one that ultimately didn’t pay off for the club.

It’s not to say 227 points in 259 games isn’t respectable, but that isn’t the offensive output expected of a first-overall forward, albeit with the caveat of injuries playing their part in Levin’s OHL career.

As far as NHL aspirations were concerned, he attended a training camp with the Maple Leafs and represented Carolina during a rookie tournament.
A stint with the Arizona Coyotes in a rookie camp turned into a main-camp invite but went no further.

The left-winger turned professional in 2020, signing a try-out deal in the KHL with Dinamo Riga.
It began swimmingly as Levin scored in his second outing and regularly played twelve plus minutes per game.

As Riga struggled to pick up points, Levin’s ice-time diminished, and the relationship ended in December.

After a brief stint in Latvia, the forward moved to Sweden to play for Kristianstads IK of the Hockey Allsvenskan.

Ten points in fifteen games was a good return.
However, and more importantly, Levin was receiving far more ice-time with fifteen or plus minutes per game as the Swedish club relied heavily on their new import.

He helped the team avoid relegation with three points in five games during the survival play-in series.

The 2021-22 campaign was one to forget for the 23-year-old.
Six points in as many games for Bratislava Capitals was followed by a move to Slovakia that fell through.
He finished the year in the Israel Elite Hockey League with HC Netanya, inevitably dominating, racking up 38 points in ten games.

Levin describes himself as a very aggressive player, and his physicality should help him adapt to the Elite League. With his hockey background, a will to succeed and win is prevalent.

That should not detract from a player who is very skilled.

Undoubtedly his vision, Hockey IQ and soft hands are his best assets, and he is a dangerous player off the rush.
Opponents who gift Levin too much space to roam will be made to pay for their error in judgment.

Skating ability has been the question mark throughout his entire career, understandably having laced up skates so late during his junior development.

It’s an area much improved from his OHL days and should be less of a factor in EIHL rinks.

Primarily known as a playmaking winger Levin’s shooting ability should not be dismissed easily. He can get the puck off his stick quickly, which could be deadly on the power play if utilised on special teams.

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