CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have strengthened their roster by signing two highly regarded young players, forward Oliver Moore and defenseman Sam Rinzel, to entry-level contracts on Saturday.
Both Moore and Rinzel were key players for the University of Minnesota this past season. Their college season concluded with a loss to Massachusetts in overtime at the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
The contracts for both Moore and Rinzel are set for three years, running through the 2026-27 season. Each contract carries an annual salary cap hit of $950,000. They are anticipated to make their debut in the NHL on Sunday in a game against Utah.
“I think we were on the same page. It’s an emotional moment leaving our college team and close friends,” Moore commented. “However, we both felt ready to take the next step and join the Blackhawks, and we believe we will look back on this decision without any regrets.”
Moore and Rinzel are important components of Chicago`s developing talent pool, which the team hopes will propel them out of their current rebuilding phase. The Blackhawks, currently at the bottom of the league standings, may also add forward Ryan Greene, a 2022 second-round draft pick, to their team once Boston University’s season concludes.
Moore, age 20, was Chicago`s first-round pick, selected 19th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Rinzel, also 20, was chosen in the first round in 2022.
Known for his speed, Moore recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in 38 games during his second year at Minnesota. A native of Mounds View, Minnesota, he amassed a total of 21 goals and 45 assists in 76 games for the university.
Moore also contributed to the U.S. National Junior Team`s consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Championship. Rinzel was part of the 2024 U.S. team that also won the junior tournament.
Rinzel, also from Minnesota, scored 10 goals and provided 21 assists in 39 games for the Gophers this season. He was recognized as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
“I felt it was the right time to advance and pursue my dream,” Rinzel stated. “Having this chance to make the jump and be here, to challenge myself, is incredible. It`s been my dream, like every kid’s dream. When this kind of opportunity arises, it`s hard to refuse.”
