Sam Rinzel News

Rinzel was drafted 25th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and was believed to be a candidate for the Calder Trophy before the start of the season. The talented 21-year-old defenseman got off to a hot start, with three points (1G / 2A) in his first seven games, but has struggled since, with only five in his last 21 (0G / 5A). He has been reassigned to Rockford (AHL) to play a more prominent role and hopefully gain some confidence before returning.

For the first time this season, Rinzel was a healthy scratch, but he will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. The 21-year-old defenseman started the season on the team's top powerplay unit, a role which has since been taken over by Artyom Levshunov.