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Blackhawks could consider sending once top paring defenseman to the AHL's IceHogs amidst struggles
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Per a report from analyst Scott Powers, the Chicago Blackhawks could consider sending Sam Rinzel to the AHL for him to work on his confidence.
The Blackhawks were beaten 9-3 yesterday by the Buffalo Sabres, but there's a deeper issue being recognized on their blue line.
Per Blackhawks analyst Scott Powers, defenseman Sam Rinzel has lost the confidence he once had with the puck, and the Blackhawks need to do something about it.
"The Blackhawks need to get Sam Rinzel's confidence back. He's lost that swagger he had with the puck."
So far, Rinzel has six points (1G, 5A) in 20 games played this year, his second in the NHL since being taken with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks.
Sam Rinzel Recently Returned To The Blackhawks Lineup
After Rinzel returned to the Blackhawks' lineup earlier in the week after being made a healthy scratch, head coach Jeff Blashill referred to him as a "great" defenseman.
"He has shown he's a great defenseman in this league . . . not just last year but this year, where he's played great games. We just need him to get back to that level. Sometimes as a coach you almost sit a guy to give him a chance to take a breath, regroup and then re-attack it a little bit."
Rinzel was also recently moved from the Blackhawks' top PP unit, something that likely didn't help his confidence.
It'll be up to Rinzel to get his game back in order and show he's deserving of more time on the ice.
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