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Sam Walker
January 30, 2026 (1:52 PM)
Photo credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sam Rinzel recalled from the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs fuels the buzz hitting the Chicago Blackhawks today, and the Connor Murphy trade clock feels real.
The Chicago Blackhawks are bringing Sam Rinzel from the Rockford IceHogs back up to the NHL, oddly enough, just as reports intensify that Connor Murphy will be dealt shortly.
You simply do not shuffle defensemen in late January without a plan, especially with the NHL break for the Olympics coming into place just next week.
Rinzel is 21, a 2022 first-round pick, and the Blackhawks grabbed him 25th overall.
He is also on an entry-level deal that runs through 2026-27, which makes any “audition” cheaper and way easier to manage under the cap.
“NEWS: The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled D Sam Rinzel from Rockford (AHL).”
In Rockford this season, Rinzel has 2-8-10 in 19 games, and he opened the year in Chicago with 1-7-8 in 28 games.
That’s the profile of a right-shot puck mover who can help the first pass and keep the breakout from dying on the wall.
Sam Rinzel could change the Chicago Blackhawks blue line
Fans have been begging for a real look at the kids and also bracing for the “sell” sign to go up any day now.
Connor Murphy sits in the middle of that mood swing because he is a pending UFA with a $4.4 million cap hit.
If Murphy is getting moved, Chicago needs innings on the right side, and Rinzel is the cleanest internal bet.
Rinzel’s best path is probably sheltered five-on-five shifts and quick touches on the man advantage, where his poise actually matters.
He is also waiver-exempt, so the Blackhawks can yo-yo him without sweating the waiver wire, which screams “deadline flexibility.”
Next up, Chicago hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, then comes back home Monday, before a quick rematch in Columbus on Wednesday.
If Rinzel is in for those games, we might be watching the first quiet step toward the Murphy trade everyone expects.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
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Blackhawks recall Sam Rinzel fueling speculation that a trade is imminent in Chicago
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