Sam Rinzel

Sam Rinzel (born June 25, 2004) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the Blackhawks 25th overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft. He played college ice hockey for the University of Minnesota.

Sam Rinzel
Rinzel with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in February 2024
Born	(2004-06-25) June 25, 2004 (age 21) Chanhassen, Minnesota, U.S.
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	194 lb (88 kg; 13 st 12 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Right
NHL team (P) Cur. team	Chicago Blackhawks Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
NHL draft	25th overall, 2022 Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career	2025–present

Playing career

At the conclusion of his junior season with the University of Minnesota in 2024–25, Rinzel concluded his collegiate career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 29, 2025.^[1] He played in nine games in the 2024–25 NHL season and registered five assists.

During the 2025–26 season, Rinzel scored his first NHL goal during a 3–2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on October 11, 2025.^[2] On December 8, after recording eight points in 28 games, he was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.^[3]

International play

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing  United States
World Junior Championships
	2024 Sweden

On December 16, 2023, Rinzel was named to the United States junior team to compete at the 2024 World Junior Championships.^[4]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2019–20	Chaska High	USHS		25	4	5	9	8		3	0	0	0	0
2020–21	Chaska High	USHS		19	8	17	25	12		—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	Chaska High	USHS		27	9	29	38	22		—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	Waterloo Black Hawks	USHL		21	2	8	10	8		6	0	0	0	4
2022–23	Waterloo Black Hawks	USHL		58	9	27	36	36		3	1	2	3	2
2023–24	University of Minnesota	B1G		39	2	26	28	20		—	—	—	—	—
2024–25	University of Minnesota	B1G		40	10	22	32	12		—	—	—	—	—
2024–25	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		9	0	5	5	0		—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				9	0	5	5	0		—	—	—	—	—

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2021	United States	HG18	5th		4	0	0	0	2
2024	United States	WJC			7	0	1	1	2
Junior totals					11	0	1	1	4

Awards and honors

Award	Year	Ref
College
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year	2025
All-Big Ten First Team	2025
All-Big Ten Second Team	2024	[5]
All-Big Ten Freshman Team	2024
AHCA West First Team All-American	2025	[6]