Rinzel started the season with the Blackhawks, scoring eight points (1G/7A) in 28 games, but the team determined he needed more seasoning at the AHL level. He returns to the Blackhawks after a 19-game stint with Rockford (AHL), where he had 10 points (2G / 8A).
Rinzel started the season with the Blackhawks, scoring eight points (1G/7A) in 28 games, but the team determined he needed more seasoning at the AHL level. He returns to the Blackhawks after a 19-game stint with Rockford (AHL), where he had 10 points (2G / 8A).
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.
