Chicago Blackhawks assign former first-round pick and a forward to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs

The club has sent 21-year-old defense prospect Sam Rinzel and 23-year-old winger Landon Slaggert back to the Rockford IceHogs (AHL).

That move gives both some breathing room while giving the rebuild a bit more clarity.

Rinzel, drafted 25th overall in 2022, turned pro this year after a standout college career. He logged nine NHL games, but the club clearly felt he needed more consistent minutes. He brings size and smarts, and Rockford offers room for development without the pressure of the NHL spotlight.

Slaggert's reassignment comes after a brief five-game cameo with Chicago in the 2025-26 season. He returned from injury but failed to record a point and posted a minus-two rating. He scored 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 39 games with Rockford last season, a solid AHL performance that suggests the club believes he'll benefit from more regular opportunity.

The immediate effect is clear: more opportunity and more responsibility for both in the AHL. For Slaggert that means top-six minutes, more power-play or penalty-kill use, and chances to build confidence and consistency. For Rinzel it means steady shifts, special-teams work, and learning to navigate pro hockey's rhythm.

From a fan's view the move makes sense. This isn't a slight-it's smart. Both players get real ice time and a chance to show growth. Blackhawks fans know too well how wasted NHL shifts can stunt development. Give prospects minutes, development, and some breathing room; that could mean paying off later.

This also clears space for other young players or call-ups to fill NHL roles. Depth forwards or third/fourth pairing defenders can crack the lineup, while the big-picture rebuild marches on.

In short, Chicago hits pause on immediate NHL exposure for these two. Rockford becomes their lab, a place to refine, improve, and hopefully step up when their time comes again.