Five takeaways from Blackhawks rookie camp: Sam Rinzel dominates, AJ Spellacy bruises

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Blackhawks brass got their first 2025-26 look at a number of notable prospects during rookie camp this past week.

The Hawks beat the Blues 3-2 and lost to the Wild 3-2 in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase over the weekend. Ahead of main training camp — which starts Thursday — here are five takeaways from rookie camp:

Some NHL hopefuls dominate

Elite prospects should dominate in this tournament, and that’s exactly what defenseman Sam Rinzel and forward Oliver Moore did Saturday before sitting out Sunday.

Rinzel and Moore’s speed and IQ allow them to basically skate circles around lesser competition. Rinzel made an absurd play and pass to set up a goal and cleaned up countless messes in the defensive zone, while Moore generated a bunch of scoring chances before finishing his last one in overtime.

Rockford coach Jared Nightingale compared Rinzel to All-Star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo in that his “heart rate never gets up,” even in intense situations.

Meanwhile, forward Nick Lardis played in both games and was also impressive. He was involved — either as the playmaker or the shooter — in a large percentage of the Hawks’ scoring chances. Lardis has some Connor Bedard in him, even though they’re not comparable talents, in terms of how he sees the ice and how he can make sly passes to relieve pressure.

Lardis used his quick hands to make clever defensive plays, too, stripping opponents on a few occasions. He said he worked on his defensive game this summer.

Other hopefuls look rusty

Defenseman Artyom Levshunov characteristically turned in an up-and-down performance that started rough and improved as it went. Defensively, there were low lows (blown positioning on a goal against) and high highs (chasing down and nullifying a breakaway). Offensively, he was dynamic.

“I’ve been really impressed with [Levshunov’s] compete,” Nightingale said. “He has his poise. He’s still that young defenseman [who has to] learn less is more sometimes.”

Forward Ryan Greene scored a pretty off-the-rush goal Sunday yet turned the puck over at the offensive blue line numerous times. Entering camp, Moore might have a leg up on Greene for an NHL roster spot.

Rule change on the radar

Up until now, Canadian junior players weren’t eligible for the AHL until they turned 20, but the new NHL collective bargaining agreement will allow teams to place one 19-year-old CHL product in the AHL per year.

Possible immediate implementation of that rule is reportedly being negotiated, and if it happens, forward AJ Spellacy could be a candidate.

There’s no doubt Spellacy’s aggressive, physical playing style would fit seamlessly into the AHL. He’s a “wrecking ball” who constantly makes his presence felt, including some crushing hits, after-the-whistle scrums and one full-fledged fight over the weekend.

“[Spellacy] played to his identity: tough to play against,” Nightingale said. “He plays with emotion…and [he’s] not bad with the puck. He loves to take it to the net.”

Forward Marek Vanacker would also be eligible, but another junior season would likely benefit him. He wasn’t as noticeable this weekend as a first-round pick should be, and even when he was noticeable, it wasn’t always for good reasons.

Impressive first glimpses

None of the Hawks’ three 2025 first-round picks were in attendance — because college players aren’t eligible and Anton Frondell’s SHL season has already begun — so third-round forward Nathan Behm was the highest 2025 selection present.

Behm was more noticeable than expected for his draft position, adding to the preexisting narrative he might’ve been a steal. Nightingale praised his ability to “deceivingly get around guys.”

Goalie Stan Berezhnoy, an undrafted prospect just signed out of Russia, was solid in his first North American action. He moves well for a 6-4, 218-pound goalie, inspiring Nightingale to compare him to Arvid Soderblom. He’ll likely back up Drew Commesso in Rockford this season.

Older prospects work toward AHL roles

Time is not on the side of 23-year-old defenseman Taige Harding or forward Aidan Thompson as they try to fulfill NHL dreams after spending a while in college.

If they want to make it, they’ll need to do so relatively quickly. Based on their usage this weekend, they both appear set to at least inherit large roles in Rockford’s lineup right away.

Harding is towering at 6-7, 236 pounds, and has finally developed the physicality to match. Nightingale said he took “big strides the last couple years” at Providence.

Thompson is undersized at 5-11, 181 pounds, but has a feisty side. He has improved his shot.