Get to Know Chicagos 25th Overall Pick Sam Rinzel
The Blackhawks traded back into the first round for the third time today acquiring the 25th overall pick and goaltender Petr Mrazek from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for the 38th overall pick. With the 25th pick the Blackhawks selected Sam Rinzel the 6'4" right handed shot defenseman from Minnesota.
His ranking heading into the draft was between the back end of the first and early second round, and while some fans may feel this was a reach this could be a really good pick for the Blackhawks. This fits the trend of their first pick tonight, in Kevin Korchinski, by selecting based off upside and size on the backend. Despite his rankings, everyone agrees that Rinzel has a ton of upside as a defenseman. Splitting the year between the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL and Chaska High in Minnesota's High School Hockey division, he record 10 points in 21 USHL games and 38 in 27 high school games. Known most for his shot Rinzel could very well be partnered with Korchinski down the road here for the Blackhawks as their next top pair.
While many believe Rinzel still has to add size to his frame to make the jump to the next level, he will have plenty of time to do so as he is committed to the University of Minnesota. Regarded for his skating ability, puck movement, and tremendous shot, Rinzel is regarded very much as a raw prospect but if he's able to fully develop this could end looking like a very good pick for Chicago, despite some puzzled looks on draft night. He is also known for his hockey IQ where despite sometimes putting himself into a bad position with his dominant puck control, he seems to always find his way out of trouble with his creativity and flair with the puck.
The Blackhawks seemed to be high on upside going into the draft and lets just hope Davidson does not rush any of their picks from tonight as their rebuild is just getting started, hop on the ride folks!
