Blackhawks Ink Top Prospects Moore, Rinzel to Entry-Level Deals
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have bolstered their roster with two highly touted prospects, signing forward Oliver Moore and defenseman Sam Rinzel to entry-level contracts Saturday. Both players are coming off seasons with the University of Minnesota.
Contracts Run Through 2026-27 Season
The deals for Moore and Rinzel extend through the 2026-27 season, each carrying a $950,000 salary cap hit. The Blackhawks hope to integrate them into their lineup instantly, with the potential for their NHL debuts as soon as sunday at home against Utah.
Moore and rinzel Part of Blackhawks’ Rebuild
Moore and Rinzel represent key components of Chicago’s rebuilding process. The team, currently at the bottom of the standings, aims to build a foundation for future success through its developing talent pool. The Blackhawks also have their eye on possibly adding forward Ryan Greene from Boston University, a 2022 second-round pick, once his college season concludes.
Moore a First-Round Pick in 2023
Moore, 20, was drafted by chicago with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft. During his sophomore season at Minnesota,the speedy forward recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in 38 games.the Mounds View, Minnesota, native tallied 21 goals and 45 assists in 76 games for the Gophers. He also contributed to the U.S. national team’s gold medal wins at consecutive world junior championships.
rinzel Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
Rinzel, also 20 and a Minnesota native, was a first-round pick in 2022. The defenseman notched 10 goals and 21 assists in 39 games this season for the Gophers, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also played for the 2024 U.S. team that won the junior tournament.
Q: Given their potential NHL debuts as soon as Sunday, what should fans expect from Moore and Rinzel in their first games?
Blackhawks Ink Top Prospects Moore, Rinzel to Entry-Level Deals – Q&A
Q: Who are Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel?
A: They are two highly-rated prospects signed to entry-level contracts by the Chicago Blackhawks. Both played college hockey at the University of Minnesota.
Q: What are the terms of their contracts?
A: Their contracts run through the 2026-27 season and have a salary cap hit of $950,000 each.
Q: When could they make their NHL debuts?
A: Possibly as soon as Sunday at home against Utah.
Q: Why are Moore and Rinzel important to the blackhawks?
A: They are key pieces in Chicago’s rebuilding process as the team aims to build a foundation for future success.
Q: What are Oliver Moore’s key achievements?
A: Moore, drafted 19th overall in 2023, is a speedy forward who recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in his sophomore season. He also contributed to the U.S. national team’s gold medal wins at consecutive world junior championships.
Q: what are Sam Rinzel’s key achievements?
A: Rinzel, a 2022 first-round pick, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He also played for the 2024 U.S. team that won the junior tournament.
Q: What’s next for the Blackhawks’ rebuilding efforts?
A: The Blackhawks are also considering adding forward Ryan Greene from Boston University.
Did You Know? the Blackhawks are hoping to build a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup. The team has won the Stanley Cup six times, most recently in 2015.
Keep an eye on Moore and Rinzel as they begin their NHL careers and hopefully help the Blackhawks return to glory!
