This was Wiz’s assessment of Rinzel, which indicates he was a more offensive defender when he was drafted.

Big framed large defender with soft hands, crisp edge work and a cannon of a shot. In his high school league with Chasta HS, he display solo dashes leading on net, and could also take pucks and blast them through three zones leading to a teammates breakaway. He defended well against the rush and had a neat poke check that disrupted things. There is lots to like long term, but you easily saw how he was farther behind his draft class, when he played In the American Top Prospects game. He looked as though plays was moving much too fast for him. Seemed as though he was overmatched by the speed and tempo of the game. His ability to pivot was apparent as was his inability to know when to take the man or the puck. Needs to develop a more physical side and keep improving and gaining muscle.

—Bill Płaczek—
- paulr

It really frustrates me that I have now ability to see my spelling errors, even in my pathetic proof-reading. (You know what frustrates me more? that I made FOUR typing errors in the last sentence that I had to correct.
When I started Sam was in high school, and even though most team's scouting combines had him up there b/c of his size and emerging skills.
That is the way I still rank a lot of the prospects because I just figure good feet and size and a nice starting place TO develop.
A lot has had to happen in terms of commitment and on ice learning for Rinzel to be where he currently is, a kid you could use another year in college or a fast track to Rockford.
He spent time in the weight room and it shows in so many other parts of his play.
It wasn't like he couldn't skate well, he just was a spectator early on, unsure, and his big man skating wasn't instinctive or ready to be the college standout who was confident he could step up into defnsive plays, and he was more lanky than the anchor he is now. He realizes he stands as an equal to his college competition and hasn't stopped playing better and better.
When he probably realized he was had all the tools and size to play, he started, and the improvement was quite a jump, and that is why his school will try and sell him on staying. Ollie Moore will be asked the same.

Added Feb. 20th from The Athletic:
The Blackhawks are expected to offer him a contract as soon as Rinzel’s college season ends and provide him the chance to play in the NHL this season. That doesn’t guarantee Rinzel will be in the NHL next season, but the Blackhawks think he’s ready for at least the AHL.

Motzko believes Rinzel could benefit from another season in college.

“I stand on all players that when they’re ready, they’re ready, but most players need that time to develop,” his College coach, Motzko said. “One percent of the players that go in the National Hockey League are ready at young ages. Most of the players are around the ages of 21, 22 when they start to come into where they can physically help teams succeed at a high level. It’s just too great of a track record of players staying three and four years that have had great success. It’s just the one percent of players that leave early. I don’t believe any player should leave to go to the American Hockey League if they’re underclassmen.”

Rinzel knows the decision is ahead, but he’s trying to focus on the present.

“Obviously it’s mentally challenging trying to handle all that on your plate,” Rinzel said. “Just living in the moment. I want to be where my feet are. Right now, it’s at the U. It’s hard to think in the future so much like that. Obviously my goal is to win a national championship here. That’s kind of what I’m focused on and whatever happens, happens. For sure, just want to try to block out whatever noise that will come into your head. Just trying to play my best hockey for our team is super important.”

I am gonna guess he stays too.
But nobody is going to say no to them wanting to try pro after their seasons end.
One thing about the house cleaning of Kane, Dinky, Dach, and Hagel, they weren't going to win in the rebuild.
And if the Bolts were silly enopugh to emplode their declining yearly precense by taking two Blackhawk first rounders for Hagel (let's say, 2026, 2028) he COULD be your f-1 on a top six role under the current contract of 6.5 Mil he has until he is 32 ....the CAP increase would cover the raise.
I am just not sure if that gives the emerging drafted nucleus the same upswing he gave the Lightning when they desparately offered so much to get the hagel cheap contract at the onset of the deal.
Of course, Hagel earned the deal, because he proved he deserved $ for making the transition in Tampa from playing with Hawk scrubs to getting time with squads still full of Cup final pros.

Before that 4 Nations started my good hockey boy freind, was so into it, he picsk the winner (Canada) is all excited. I tell him I am not watching the nhl breaks money grab mid-season.
That I will watch the prospects the Icehogs whatever, because no NHL player is going to pound & check his "Utter-Nation" NHL linemate to another planet, like the teams play against each other in that post season competition for Lord Stanley's.

And I don't like all-star games.

And so may don't like my political stands, but that booing in a sporting event has a lot to do with exactly what i and fellow door to door workers told people would happen, that they would pay with higher prices.
I don't think and Canadien booing before this tourney makes me ready to fight.

What does is when say the "Nashville fans" decide that the chant they need to start yelling when the Preds TIE a NHL game (NOT A go-ahead, mind you!), is to the opposing goalie" "Crawford, Craaawford...you suck!

Now that bothers me mostly because it is stupidty in that part of the game with that score.

Sure like you Canadiens, I understood what was on the line in the election if the majority was so out of it, that it didn't hear the warnings prior to theri secret ballot.

The Tkachuks were born in a red state, and I as much as I would love Brady punching people for Chicago, I think they were either ignorant to WHY the fans were booing, or they just wanted to wake their team up, as in a hockey game.
Trying to sell this new wrinkle of rivalry will be good for viewership (we already see that, right?). But it was never about all the US stars (many who will play their entire superstar careers in our good neighbor Canada's provinces).

Me, I will miss the 'rematch" b/c I doubt it ever was about grudges between players.

I will continue to wear my red/blue election map of the USA 50 states results to Lowes and Home Depot...the one that has one color marked the UNITED STATES, and the other marked "Dumb(frank)istan." Because all the pickup trucks w/o peeled off election stickers now have old glory's circle of stars and the words "Don't tread on me" on it"

4-2-4-4-1

4-2-4-4-1
- 35Tony0

4-1-4-3-1

Reminds me a lot of Brandon Pirri.
- rpeters01

What, no Dylan Sikura in there?

2-2-1-3-4

I just besides all the things I wonder about each and every one of you, I wonder why everyone goes to Tankathon NHL and takes FIVE tries...maybe the hyphens and numbers are recognizable as the Tank spinner?

Why not just tell us your first spin, b/c the there will be no do-overs...

Hawks I get slot #2

I just besides all the things I wonder about each and every one of you, I wonder why everyone goes to Tankathon NHL and takes FIVE tries...maybe the hyphens and numbers are recognizable as the Tank spinner?

Why not just tell us your first spin, b/c the there will be no do-overs...

Hawks I get slot #2
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz, when I read your posts. I pretend that you are talking in a Russian accent!

I just besides all the things I wonder about each and every one of you, I wonder why everyone goes to Tankathon NHL and takes FIVE tries...maybe the hyphens and numbers are recognizable as the Tank spinner?

Why not just tell us your first spin, b/c the there will be no do-overs...

Hawks I get slot #2
- wiz1901

During the Bedard year, I used to take 10 spins (as the odds for 1-5 were roughly in tenths, 10-10-10-40-30 for finishing 3rd from last), and see if I got that distribution. Which isn't much of a reason at all.

Now I just do 5 since everyone does it. Finishing 2nd from last gives odds about 15-15-30-40, don't really want to do 20 spins each time.

So, OK, for tonight, CHI falls 1 spot to #3. PHI moves to #2, takes Martone and CHI takes Misa.

What, no Dylan Sikura in there?
- AusHawk

If you google Brandon Pirri DS comes up as a "similar player."

Anyone go Bill Watson yet? If not - I'm taking him. Or Tom McMurchy ... or even - er ... sorry Bruce .... Bruce Cassidy.

Anyone go Bill Watson yet? If not - I'm taking him. Or Tom McMurchy ... or even - er ... sorry Bruce .... Bruce Cassidy.
- SC116

All good. How about an Eric Lecompte or an Ivan Droppa?

All good. How about an Eric Lecompte or an Ivan Droppa?
- HawkintheD

Rene Badeau

Rene Badeau
- paulr

Michal Grosek

Before that 4 Nations started my good hockey boy freind, was so into it, he picsk the winner (Canada) is all excited. I tell him I am not watching the nhl breaks money grab mid-season.
That I will watch the prospects the Icehogs whatever, because no NHL player is going to pound & check his "Utter-Nation" NHL linemate to another planet, like the teams play against each other in that post season competition for Lord Stanley's.

And I don't like all-star games.

And so may don't like my political stands, but that booing in a sporting event has a lot to do with exactly what i and fellow door to door workers told people would happen, that they would pay with higher prices.
I don't think and Canadien booing before this tourney makes me ready to fight.

What does is when say the "Nashville fans" decide that the chant they need to start yelling when the Preds TIE a NHL game (NOT A go-ahead, mind you!), is to the opposing goalie" "Crawford, Craaawford...you suck!

Now that bothers me mostly because it is stupidty in that part of the game with that score.

Sure like you Canadiens, I understood what was on the line in the election if the majority was so out of it, that it didn't hear the warnings prior to theri secret ballot.

The Tkachuks were born in a red state, and I as much as I would love Brady punching people for Chicago, I think they were either ignorant to WHY the fans were booing, or they just wanted to wake their team up, as in a hockey game.
Trying to sell this new wrinkle of rivalry will be good for viewership (we already see that, right?). But it was never about all the US stars (many who will play their entire superstar careers in our good neighbor Canada's provinces).

Me, I will miss the 'rematch" b/c I doubt it ever was about grudges between players.

I will continue to wear my red/blue election map of the USA 50 states results to Lowes and Home Depot...the one that has one color marked the UNITED STATES, and the other marked "Dumb(frank)istan." Because all the pickup trucks w/o peeled off election stickers now have old glory's circle of stars and the words "Don't tread on me" on it"
- wiz1901

Hope you're doing well.

Assuming Hawks end up with a pick 2-4.......how do you feel about Misa and Martone? Would love to see them get Misa as 2C or even 1C and move Bedard to wing. Given what we know come playoff time, Bedard may have an easier time on the wing LT and can still have the offensive zone run through him much the same as it did with Kane.

Hope you're doing well.

Assuming Hawks end up with a pick 2-4.......how do you feel about Misa and Martone? Would love to see them get Misa as 2C or even 1C and move Bedard to wing. Given what we know come playoff time, Bedard may have an easier time on the wing LT and can still have the offensive zone run through him much the same as it did with Kane.
- SteveRain

Who does Bedard play like? I think his style is very similar to Wayne Gretzky, not the fastest, off the charts Hockey IQ, incredible on ice vision, very good playmaker and an accurate shot. With Kurri and Anderson Gretzky had a great line, would you have shifted Gretzky to the wing? Let’s see who eventually plays on Bedard’s line before we move him to another position or give up on him.

Hope you're doing well.

Assuming Hawks end up with a pick 2-4.......how do you feel about Misa and Martone? Would love to see them get Misa as 2C or even 1C and move Bedard to wing. Given what we know come playoff time, Bedard may have an easier time on the wing LT and can still have the offensive zone run through him much the same as it did with Kane.
- SteveRain

imo can't go wrong with Misa or matone, also I think Hawks make a big move whether it's through a trade or free agency. For what and what player is anybodies guess.

imo can't go wrong with Misa or matone, also I think Hawks make a big move whether it's through a trade or free agency. For what and what player is anybodies guess.
- Scott1977

If Schaefer is available when the Hawks select, he’s the guy. Otherwise Misa, Martone and Hagens would be a great consolation prize.

All good. How about an Eric Lecompte or an Ivan Droppa?
- HawkintheD

Ivan Boldirev ?

Who does Bedard play like? I think his style is very similar to Wayne Gretzky, not the fastest, off the charts Hockey IQ, incredible on ice vision, very good playmaker and an accurate shot. With Kurri and Anderson Gretzky had a great line, would you have shifted Gretzky to the wing? Let’s see who eventually plays on Bedard’s line before we move him to another position or give up on him.
- paulr

Bedard is small in stature and i'm sure you notice the amount of times he easily gets pushed off the puck/falls down and his 200 ft game is lacking. Again...year 2....again like Kane will improve, but if there is an option to upgrade with a larger sized kid, with complimentary skill sets to help Bedard out....I am all about it. Championships are won down the middle and if there is one thing Bedard really needs to improve on is his defensive awareness this remaining portion of the season. You may able to ride with Bedard if you can find that top 6 C who play the role of Toews/Kopitar/Barkov....Otherwise what we dont' need is a guy like Jason Richardinson playing a TON of minutes because it's our best bet to neutralize the opponents skill.

If Schaefer is available when the Hawks select, he’s the guy. Otherwise Misa, Martone and Hagens would be a great consolation prize.
- paulr

Believe I saw the consensus is that Schaefter is #1 lock even with the injury.

Leaves Martone (power forward)
hagens small center
Misa 6'1 center

Bedard is small in stature and i'm sure you notice the amount of times he easily gets pushed off the puck/falls down and his 200 ft game is lacking. Again...year 2....again like Kane will improve, but if there is an option to upgrade with a larger sized kid, with complimentary skill sets to help Bedard out....I am all about it. Championships are won down the middle and if there is one thing Bedard really needs to improve on is his defensive awareness this remaining portion of the season. You may able to ride with Bedard if you can find that top 6 C who play the role of Toews/Kopitar/Barkov....Otherwise what we dont' need is a guy like Jason Richardinson playing a TON of minutes because it's our best bet to neutralize the opponents skill.
- SteveRain

Bedard is exactly the same size as Crosby was at 19. Bedard is a boy, he hasn’t developed strength yet. And his defensive game has improved dramatically since last season. Let’s see how it all pans out.

Believe I saw the consensus is that Schaefter is #1 lock even with the injury.

Leaves Martone (power forward)
hagens small center
Misa 6'1 center
- SteveRain

If Chicago pick first and choose Schaefer can they then bundle a top defensive prospect and something and get right back in the draft at a chance at Martone, Hagens or Misa?

Who does Bedard play like? I think his style is very similar to Wayne Gretzky, not the fastest, off the charts Hockey IQ, incredible on ice vision, very good playmaker and an accurate shot. With Kurri and Anderson Gretzky had a great line, would you have shifted Gretzky to the wing? Let’s see who eventually plays on Bedard’s line before we move him to another position or give up on him.
- paulr

Honestly I have no idea still. Everything you said is accurate but right now the Hawks need him to be a playmaker and distributer. If he had top line skill around him does his roll change? Does he become more of a goal scorer?

We rarely see Bedard receive a pass and its just him and the goalie one on one. He has the hockey IQ and knows where the prime goal scoring areas are there is just no one around him to get him the puck consistently.

Not sure we've seen his best skill set shine yet which is putting pucks in the net.

Bedard is exactly the same size as Crosby was at 19. Bedard is a boy, he hasn’t developed strength yet. And his defensive game has improved dramatically since last season. Let’s see how it all pans out.
- paulr

Lets hope he hits a growth spurt......also would behoove Davidson to find a skilled PF to skate with him. Him skating routinely with $hit doesn't even give us a glimpse of where he can go LT. I mean his best chemistry may be with teuvo who was scratched in a must win vs Canada. he has Bertuzzi, Donato (playing balls out for a new deal...flashing like kurashev) but there isn't a player on this roster currently who is a legit top 3 F outside of Bedard. He doesn't have his Crosby to Malkin or Toews to kane or Ovechkin to Backstrom or Sedin to Sedin comp. hell the sharks likely have better options at F right now for Cellebrini.

I know and understand the rebuild is still progressing, but burning all 3 years of an ELC and still not seeing/knowing what you TRULY have due to lack of supporting cast (just 1) is a major misguided move by Davidson IMO. They have the cap space and spending big on the RIGHT guy for 8 years they likely were going to have to do anyways like they did when they signed Hossa. The key is going through these D and F prospects and figuring out what are the TRUE building blocks and who can be dangled to upgrade other lacking areas. Big summer ahead for KD.