In three high school seasons, Rinzel had 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) in 71 games. He's one of 79 players with USHL ties on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters.
To break it down, here are five questions with Rajanen:
Center Adam Ingram (6-2, 161) of Youngstown went from No. 14 in Central Scouting's midterm ranking to No. 27 in the final ranking. Was there something lacking in his game or did other players just pass him on the depth chart?
"Probably a little bit of both. I sensed him wearing down little bit in the second half of the season; he wasn't quite as engaged in every shift and probably spent a little time adjusting to playing that many games in a high-end North American league. But you still see the instincts, you still see the pro game that he can play and he's really good in tight spots with his hands and can shoot the puck. I still think he has a chance to slide into the first round with his size and skating ability."
What can you tell us about center Zam Plante (No. 64; 5-10, 165) with Hermantown (Minn.) High School and Chicago? He's the son of former NHL forward Derek Plante, and a projected second- or third-round pick.
"He's got solid pedigree. He wanted to play with his younger brother Max Plante] at Hermantown and then he played with Chicago. The key to his game is his high hockey IQ; he really thinks the game well. He moves the puck really quickly in a smart way and has a high-end compete level. His skating speed has to come around a little bit, but I like his overall game. That hockey IQ is hard to teach and his is top quality."
**The highest-ranked players from Chicago for the 2022 draft are right wing [Nicholas Moldenhauer (No. 39; 5-10, 170) and defenseman Jake Livanavage (No. 54; 5-9, 157). What has stood out about the play of each player?**
"Moldenhauer had a couple of injuries; one real serious where he was cut underneath his chin from a skate blade. But he's persevered throughout the season for Chicago. He's a guy who can play up and down your lineup and has high-end compete. He's solid along the wall and in the contact areas and will be a point producer, but I think his top quality is he can play on any of your four lines and possibly play in the NHL in the future. I really like Livanavage. I think he has a chance to move up on draft day. He's quick, elusive, shifty with the puck, and sneaky physical where he's a smaller player but plays bigger. He really jumped into the rush well and is very quick in transition. He's going to the University of North Dakota (in 2023-24), so that's a key factor for him."
