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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman on route to the AHL: He must turns things around quickly

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Jim Precourt
November 16, 2025 (2:40 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have made some subtle hints that a Sam Rinzel Rockford IceHogs stint could be on the way, and with Rinzel watching the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday from the press box, a send-down could very well be on its way.

This has been a baby-steps sort of process.

First, he was made the seventh defenseman against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday after being on the top pair. Now, he was healthy scratched by the team.

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When asked why Rinzel would sit, head coach Jeff Blashill said that he was giving up too many scoring chances.

Blashill mentioned that he spoke with him yesterday about what they need out of him for the future.

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However, things can change quickly, and this could turn into needing some time with the IceHogs.

Rinzel, 20 years old, had all the upside in the world coming into this season after the sample size we got from him last season. But, this year so far, he only has a goal and three points in 17 games.

Sam Rinzel's healthy scratching with Blackhawks could provide a large spark

Now, this could very well be the fact that he just needs a game or two to refresh, like Artyom Levshunov did. After all, he did get thrown into the top pair immediately to kick off the season.

It's still worrying nonetheless-you would've liked him to settle in and take over by now since we're nearly a quarter of the way into the year.

A Rockford stint doesn't hurt anyone. Kevin Korchinski is down there right now getting his confidence back, and he has ten points in 13 games.

Rinzel is the future of this defensive core and should be one of the top priorities to keep straight. If he continues to struggle after this press box stint, you have to give him some time with the IceHogs, and that could be sooner than we think.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach out long-term after fracturing his foot

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill avoids fine with filtered comments on officiating in Blackhawks

Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno out long-term following injury vs. Leafs Saturday

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NOVEMBRE 16 \| 195 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks defenseman on route to the AHL: He must turns things around quickly Should Sam Rinzel be sent down to the AHL?
Yes	91	46.7 %
No	104	53.3 %
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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman on route to the AHL: He must turns things around quickly

The Chicago Blackhawks have made some subtle hints that a Sam Rinzel Rockford IceHogs stint could be on the way, and with Rinzel watching the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday from the press box, a send-down could very well be on its way.

Sam Rinzel's healthy scratching with Blackhawks could provide a large spark

Should Sam Rinzel be sent down to the AHL?