Sam Rinzel

Sam Rinzel (born June 25, 2004) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for 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 hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

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	181 lb (82 kg; 12 st 13 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Right
NHL team	Chicago Blackhawks
NHL draft	25th overall, 2022 Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career	2025–present

Playing career

At the conclusion of his junior season with the Golden Gophers in 2024–25, Rinzel concluded his collegiate career in signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 29, 2025.^[1]

International play

Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
	2024 Sweden

On December 16, 2023, Rinzel was named to the United States men's national junior ice hockey team to compete at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.^[2]

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
College
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year	2025
All-Big Ten First Team	2025
All-Big Ten Second Team	2024	[3]
All-Big Ten Freshman Team	2024
AHCA West First Team All-American	2025	[4]