Born: 2000-04-23
Team: Jukurit (Liiga)
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 176
UPDATE (FEBRUARY 6, 2021)
Rindell has continued to improve in his second Liiga season. He averages over 20 minutes of ice time per game, including 3:06 on the power play. He excels on the man advantage, as well as in the transition game. He has a very good selection of shots, including a heavy one-timer and a quick wrist shot. His shots aren’t wasted because he shoots with a purpose and creates shooting lanes with his movement on the blueline. Rindell moves pucks reliably and effectively to the forwards, and has the ability to make long, crisp passes out of the defensive zone. He is confident with the puck, evades forecheck and doesn’t panic under pressure. Defensively, his gap control has gotten better and he’s beginning to trust his feet and mobility more. Going forward, he does not project as a high-level penalty killer as his strengths lie elsewhere. According to InStat Hockey, the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect leads Jukurit defensemen in many statistical categories, including points (21), primary assists (9), shots (167), shots on goal (72), passes to the slot (23) and blocked shots (55). Rindell’s game is trending up and his future will be on a bigger stage than the Liiga.
SCOUTING REPORT (DECEMBER 12, 2019)
Rindell is having a superb rookie season in the Liiga after flying under the radar somewhat in the juniors. However, last season he did get some well-deserved recognition as he was named to the first All-Star team at the U20’s. Rindell is an offensive-minded defenseman with solid puck-moving abilities and vision. He can make a strong stretch pass or carry the puck up the ice. He’s adept at escaping from pressure and displays strong footwork and pretty good straight-line speed. He handles the puck with poise and his passing is crisp and simple enough most of the time. He has a cannon of a point shot and he’s not afraid to use it. He gets his shots past the first defender with regularity and he can create rebounds as he shoots with a purpose. Has good wind-up on his slap shot. He has made improvements in his defensive game as well. He still could be more alert and focused in his own end at times and I think his 1-on-1 defending is a work in progress as well. Rindell has put together a good stat line so far on the Liiga season, with 4 goals and 9 assists in 26 games. He looks combortable running the power play and he can start offensive transitions. Especially those aspects of his game have enabled him to have a consistent impact this season. His development is trending upwards and I wouldn’t be surprised if NHL clubs start to take notice of the 19-year-old blueliner sooner rather than later. He didn’t play his best hockey at the U20 Four Nations in Helsinki in November, but I think he has lots of long-term potential.