The Chicago Blackhawks have locked up one of their first-round pick.
The team announced Saturday that it has signed defenceman Sam Rinzel to a three-year entry-level contract that carries a $950,000 cap hit.
Rinzel recently finished his NCAA season with the University of Minnesota and is expected to make his NHL debut on Sunday against Utah Hockey Club, according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.
The 20-year-old was picked 25th overall by Chicago in the 2022 draft.
The six-foot-five blue-liner registered 10 goals and 32 points for the Gophers in 2024-25 while skating in 40 games. He was named the Big 10 defensive player of the year.
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