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Sam Rinzel has a remarkable night to remember against the Montreal Canadiens

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Joshua Deeds
October 11, 2025 (10:53 PM)

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In an Original Six matchup in the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks Centennial Celebration marked a special moment for defenseman Sam Rinzel, who scored his first goal against the Montreal Canadiens.

Defenseman Sam Rinzel found his way into the opening night lineup after training camp.

Something that was expected by fans and pundits after his promising short stint last season, where he played 9 games and scored 5 points (5A).

But he wouldn't be able to crack a goaltender until Saturday night's game against the Montreal Canadiens, scoring his 1st NHL goal against goaltender Sam Montembeault at 4:24 into the 2nd period of the night.

The goal happened on Rinzel's 12th NHL game played as a rookie in the league and signifies that he'll be taking the next step forward in his game with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Sam Rinzel: An Elite Defenseman In The Making Scores First NHL Goal

The Blackhawks didn't just acquire Rinzel by chance; he was selected 25th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

The 25th overall pick was acquired in a trade for goaltender Petr Mrazek from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team sent the 38th overall pick in return to the Maple Leafs.

All in all, it seems like the Blackhawks have won the trade, as the Toronto Maple Leafs originally drafted forward Fraser Minten with the 38th overall pick, but he is now a Boston Bruin.

While Petr Mrazek was sent to the Detroit Red Wings in a package deal with Craig Smith for forward Joe Veleno.

The Blackhawks have an up-and-coming defenseman in Sam Rinzel who is steadily growing into his own player and has shown us what he's capable of.

Sam Rinzel would receive the primary assist on the goal after winning the faceoff and passing it to the defenseman.

He now has six points in his first 12 NHL games. If he can keep up the pressure, he has a shot at earning the top spot on the blue line in Chicago.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Red Wings acquire former 30 goal scorer from Blackhawks in intriguing trade pitch

Player tampering punishment from the NHL involving Kirill Kaprizov addressed by the Wild

Blackhawks complete several lineup tweaks ahead of Saturday's home opener against the Canadiens

POLL
OCTOBRE 11 \| 123 ANSWERS Sam Rinzel has a remarkable night to remember against the Montreal Canadiens Do you think defenseman Sam Rinzel is the Chicago Blackhawks' next top defenseman?
Yes	91	74 %
No	32	26 %
List of polls

Sam Rinzel has a remarkable night to remember against the Montreal Canadiens

In an Original Six matchup in the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks Centennial Celebration marked a special moment for defenseman Sam Rinzel, who scored his first goal against the Montreal Canadiens.

Sam Rinzel: An Elite Defenseman In The Making Scores First NHL Goal

Do you think defenseman Sam Rinzel is the Chicago Blackhawks' next top defenseman?