Chicago sent down both Sam Rinzel and Landon Slaggert in a effort to help the stuggling youngsters. Chicago recently was outscored 12-1 by opponents over the weekend
What It Means: The Players
Sam Rinzel:
Sam Rinzel came out of the gate strong for the Chicago Blackhawks. The rookie defenseman recorded his first (and only) NHL goal in just the 3rd game of the season vs Montreal and had a solid 3 points in seven games to start the season.
The Minnesota native and Golden Gophers product has 8 points thus far this season. Recently, Rinzel has looked out of touch with his game, lacking the confidence that made him a Hobey Baker finalist a year ago. Like most young defensemen, growing pains are a natural part of development. Rinzel will join an IceHogs team looking for a spark at the perfect time. The move fits the narrative of Rockford and Chicago’s future and current plans.
Landon Slaggert
Landon Slaggert is in more need of this assignment than Rinzel is. The Blackhawks forward has been struggling to crack the lineup despite injuries to players like Nick Foligno. “Slaggs” has only been featured in 10 games thus far. He recorded his sole point, a goal, nearly a month ago against the New Jersey Devils. In Rockford, Landon can finally see meaningful minutes and join the squad that, as previously mentioned, needs to find their game once again.
What It Means: The Organizations
Chicago Blackhawks:
Chicago is on the back end of perhaps the worst stretch of hockey this millennium. The Blackhawks beat both the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks last week in close games. Chicago would be outscored by the duo of California teams 12-1 over the course of two games.
Things became especially dire Sunday night after the team allowed over 41 shots on goal and six tallies in just 40 minutes of play. Clearly in need of a new direction, Chicago let their projected future players find their game again. This move also shows trust in project d-man Ayrtom Levshunov, who will no longer be sheltered in Jeff Blashill’s 11F-7D system.
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Rockford IceHogs:
A team most thought would be an AHL contender, Rockford has massively disappointed expectations. Outside of Nick Lardis, the offensive production has simply not been good enough for the Hogs. Despite not even playing 10 games, Oliver Moore is still top 3 in goal scoring. Slaggert and Rinzel can both solve the problem (hopefully temporarily) and right the ship. Rockford is currently sitting at 9-12-2 on the outside looking in of a playoff spot.