Blackhawks Reportedly Acquired Future Star Number-One Defenseman in Sam Rinzel
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The Chicago Blackhawks prospect pipeline is ranked 4th in the NHL by The Athletic's Scott Wheeler for a reason.
Since 2022, there's been new leadership in Chicago, and they have been successful during the last three drafts.
With GM Kyle Davidson at the helm, they've begun to rebuild the team, stock draft capital, and find the best of the best in the juniors, and overseas.
Blackhawks acquired their future star defenseman during 2022 NHL draft
One of those players whose been a positive addition to the pipeline is Minnesota Gophers defenseman, Sam Rinzel.
Rinzel was drafted 25th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, the same year they acquired Kevin Korchinski(7th in 2022) and Frank Nazar(13th in 2022).
He's found himself as a Hobey Baker Award nominee in 2024 and is considered one of the best prospects, aside from even Nolan Allan, Artyom Levshunov, Ethan Del Mastro, and Louis Crevier.
What Sets Rinzel Apart
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, Rinzel is the most important defenseman in the team's pipeline.
Rinzel has abilities as a defenseman, that set him apart from the competition. He can move the puck and has a great shot.
His skating allows him to work through traffic in front of the net, and that's a huge skill to work his edges like that.
This season for the Gopher's he's used these abilities to produce at a high level for the team.
He's scored 25 points (9G, 16 A) in 30 games for the Gophers. Rinzel was considered NHL-ready by scouts coming out of high school in 2022.
With his stellar play, he could find himself signing his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks this offseason and turning pro.
Of course, the Blackhawks will want to shelter him and develop him further in Rockford before he can make the jump to the NHL.
But that time will come, as it has for others from his draft class like Kevin Korchsinki, and Frank Nazar who have both seen ice time in the minors, and the NHL.
Rinzel could turn out to be a top-four defenseman for the Hawks, and if so, could be another coup for Davidson who has a knack for finding talent at every round in the NHL draft.
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