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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman emerges as unexpected Calder trophy favorite for this upcoming season
Photo credit: NHL.com
According to Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel could be an underrated candidate for the Calder Trophy this season.
Sam Rinzel was originally a 25th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
His collegiate career ended in April of last season.
That's when he made the jump to the pros, playing 9 games for the Blackhawks and scoring 5 points (5 A) in that time frame.
He's proven to be an "under the radar" candidate for the Calder Trophy in 2025-26, according to DeRosa and The Hockey News.
Sam Rinzel and the Calder Trophy: A Match Made in Heaven?
The last time the Blackhawks had someone win the Calder Trophy was Connor Bedard in 2024.
Rinzel has the chance to put the Blackhawks organization in the spotlight if he can convince the league he is the best rookie this year.
While Rinzel's sample size is small, he's shown flashes of brilliance in his play, being a reliable defender in the team's zone.
He's capable of turning the opposition's offense against them, creating a break, and causing turnovers.
Not only that, but he stays in position and doesn't miss a beat during his shifts.
For the defenseman, this isn't the only side of his game, and he's got offensive upside. In his 2nd year with the Minnesota Gophers, he scored 32 points (10-22) in 40 games.
Proof that he isn't a one-trick pony and is destined to be a top-four defender in the league.
Will he do well enough to become a finalist in Calder Trophy voting in 2025-26?
Rinzel signed his entry-level contract last year, which pays him $1.36 M.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 155 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks defenseman emerges as unexpected Calder trophy favorite for this upcoming season Do you think defenseman Sam Rinzel of the Chicago Blackhawks is a Calder Trophy finalist in 2025-26? | ||
| Yes | 92 | 59.4 % |
| No | 63 | 40.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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