The Chicago Blackhawks entered the season with high hopes for young defenseman Sam Rinzel, especially after his impressive NHL debut last spring and steady early-season play. But over the past few weeks, things haven’t gone as smoothly for the 21-year-old blueliner. His ice time has dropped sharply, he was benched in a recent third period, and the team’s decision to use a seven-defenseman rotation has squeezed his opportunities even further.
Now, with Rinzel struggling to find rhythm or confidence, it might be time for the Blackhawks to consider a temporary reset, one that leads him to the Rockford IceHogs, where he can rediscover the big minutes and responsibility that helped him thrive early in his career. This wouldn’t be a setback. Instead, it could be exactly what he needs to take the next step in his development.
Ice time drops and rotational roles disrupt Rinzel’s momentum
Apr 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel (6) and Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Joona Koppanen (15) battle for control of the puck during the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
Rinzel’s development appeared on track through the early part of the 2024–25 season. He was averaging over 20 minutes a night, moving the puck well, and showing flashes of the poised, mobile defenseman the Blackhawks envisioned when they drafted him.
But everything shifted when the Blackhawks switched to a seven-defensemen rotation, a move that created inconsistency for younger players like Rinzel. Suddenly, instead of steady top-four minutes, he found himself bouncing between shifts and even sitting for long stretches.
Reporter Scott Powers noted that in Chicago’s most recent game, Rinzel played just one shift in the third period, the clearest sign yet that his role is slipping.
Powers wrote:
“Sam Rinzel played just one shift in the third period… It sounds like a coach’s decision. He finished with 9:30 of ice time for the game.”
That 9:30 mark is a far cry from the heavy workload he started the season with. It’s also a massive drop-off from the standout game he played back in October against the Montreal Canadiens, a performance that had many fans believing he was ready for a full-time NHL role.
Rinzel’s recent dip doesn’t reflect a lack of potential. Instead, it looks more like the natural consequences of lineup structure, coaching decisions, and the realities of managing a young defense core. Still, the Blackhawks want their top prospects to play meaningful minutes, not sit on the bench.
This is where Rockford could become the perfect solution.
AHL time could rebuild confidence and accelerate development
Apr 2, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel (6) waits for a faceoff during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
A temporary move to Rockford wouldn’t be a punishment; it would be an opportunity. Rinzel is at his best when he’s playing a lot, touching the puck often, and being trusted in key situations. The AHL could offer him exactly that environment.
In Rockford, Rinzel could:
• Play top-pairing minutes
• Quarterback the power play
• Log heavy, consistent shifts
• Develop without the pressure of an NHL lineup squeeze
His college career and early NHL games showed what he can do when he’s allowed to take on responsibility. Rinzel’s smooth skating, long reach, and ability to move the puck make him an ideal candidate to dominate at the AHL level. At 6’4″ and nearly 195 pounds, he already has the physical tools, now he just needs the confidence and repetitions.
Last spring, Rinzel arrived in Chicago straight from college hockey and didn’t look out of place. He carried himself with poise and seemed energized by his opportunity. That confidence has faded recently, not because of failure, but because of reduced usage.
Sending him to Rockford would allow him to rebuild that confidence with steady, high-impact play. And when he returns, whether later this season or next, he’ll be more prepared to step into a bigger role on Chicago’s blue line.
This move would also align with the Blackhawks’ long-term defensive plan. With players like Alex Vlasic and Artyom Levshunov solidifying NHL roles, the team doesn’t need Rinzel to be rushed. They need him to be ready.
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