Two major future pieces have signed their entry-level contracts.
Minnesota v Michigan State | Michael Miller/ISI Photos/GettyImages
The Chicago Blackhawks took another step in their rebuild.
Top prospects Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel signed their three-year entry-level contracts after the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ college season came to a heartbreaking end in a 5-4 overtime loss to UMass in the NCAA Tournament.
welcome to Chicago, Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel‼️
Moore and Rinzel agree to terms✍️ ➡︎ https://t.co/GMF2tvn0kI pic.twitter.com/Wu1F14fatt
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 29, 2025
Moore and Rinzel will make their NHL debuts today when the Blackhawks face the Utah Hockey Club.
Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore will make their NHL debuts on Sunday at the United Center, according to Chicago interim head coach Anders Sorensen. #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 29, 2025
But what do their signings mean for the remainder of the season, and more importantly, the 2025-26 season?
Immediate Impact on the 2024-25 Season
The Blackhawks, already eliminated from playoff contention, could use these games to give Moore and Rinzel their first taste of professional hockey.
Moore, a dynamic forward known for his elite speed and offensive skill, could provide a spark for Chicago’s lineup, especially if Ryan Donato does not re-sign with the team in free agency.
While he is projected as a bottom-six forward, his speed and playmaking ability could improve over time, potentially allowing him to move into a top-six role. Rinzel, a smooth-skating defenseman with an offensive touch, could bolster Chicago’s blue line and potentially run the second power-play unit if given the opportunity.
Adjusting to the NHL is never easy, but both players will benefit well and contribute to Chicago’s long-term vision.
2025-26 Season and Beyond
The Blackhawks have a lot of young talent and top prospects, and the addition of Moore and Rinzel adds skill and depth to their rebuild. Moore is projected as a bottom-six forward with offensive flair and creativity, but could still complement players like Connor Bedard as the team develops.
Rinzel’s combination of skating, size, and offensive instincts make him an intriguing piece for Chicago’s blue line. The Blackhawks’ defense could take on more of a physical role in the future with players like Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier, and Artyom Levshunov.
Rinzel, who won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, could develop into a top-four defenseman for the Blackhawks in the future.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿‼️@RinzelSam earns Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading @B1GHockey defensemen in points and goals!#PrideOnIce pic.twitter.com/yRtEnUIllh
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) March 18, 2025
Chicago’s Rebuild Taking Shape
Signing Moore and Rinzel is another step in Chicago’s long-term plan. With Kevin Korchinski being called up from Rockford on Thursday, the Blackhawks’ young talent is growing rapidly. The addition of Moore and Rinzel strengthens what Chicago hopes to build for the future as they work toward competing for a playoff spot again.
“It’s been fun,” Connor Bedard said on the youth development for the Blackhawks. “I think coming into the league, we were kind of one of the older teams in the league. It has changed a lot throughout the years. So, you adapt either way, but it’s definitely been good to see the young guys up and the impact they’re able to make right away.”
The transition for Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel will take time, but patience is key. Development doesn’t happen overnight, but Blackhawks fans are excited to see how these late-season additions shape the team’s future.
