The Chicago Blackhawks are giving Sam Rinzel another shot at the NHL level.
On Friday afternoon, the team recalled the 19-year-old defenseman from the Rockford IceHogs ahead of their matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This move signals a possible shift in the lineup, and maybe even a bit of a reset for another young blue-liner, Artyom Levshunov.
Rinzel’s season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. After struggling earlier in the year with the Blackhawks, he was sent down to Rockford to refine his game.
In 19 AHL games, Rinzel chipped in two goals and eight assists - a solid showing for a young defenseman still adjusting to the pro game. Prior to that, he logged 28 games in Chicago, tallying one goal and seven assists.
Now, he’s back - and the timing is interesting.
With Nick Foligno potentially sidelined due to injury, head coach Jeff Blashill could lean on the 11 forwards, 7 defensemen configuration. That would open the door for Rinzel to slide back into the lineup without forcing a forward out. On the other hand, if the Blackhawks choose to go with a traditional 12-forward, 6-defensemen setup, Levshunov might be the odd man out - at least temporarily.
And that might not be a bad thing.
Levshunov has shown flashes of the high-end talent that made him such a highly touted prospect, but like most young defensemen, he’s still finding his footing. Giving him a breather - whether it’s a night off or a few games in the press box - can be a smart long-term play. Sometimes, stepping back allows a young player to reset mentally, watch the game from a different perspective, and come back sharper.
As for Rinzel, this recall is more than just a roster move - it’s a chance to show how much his game has grown during his time in Rockford. Development isn’t linear, especially on the back end, but this is a meaningful opportunity for him to prove he’s ready to stick.
No corresponding roster move was announced with Rinzel’s call-up, but all signs point to a bit of roster flexibility as the Blackhawks navigate injuries and the development of their young core.
For now, all eyes will be on Rinzel to see if his time in the AHL helped him take that next step - and how Chicago balances the development of two promising young defensemen in Rinzel and Levshunov as the season rolls on.