Islanders' Calum Ritchie: Packaged in return for Brock Nelson
Rotowire
Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a conditional first-round pick and a conditional third-round pick in 2028 were traded to the Islanders on Thursday from the Avalanche in exchange for Brock Nelson and William Dufour.
Ritchie is a high-end prospect who has lit up the OHL for 67 points in 41 contests with Oshawa after getting his first taste of NHL action with a goal in seven games to begin this season. The 20-year-old also had two points with Team Canada at the World Junior Championship. The Avalanche may eventually regret letting Ritchie go, but not if Nelson brings them another championship. As for the Islanders, they get a prospect who is pretty close to being ready to contribute at the NHL level. The chances of Ritchie getting another NHL look in 2024-25 are pretty slim with the Generals going to the OHL playoffs, but he could be a factor in 2025-26, perhaps taking Nelson's old spot on the second line.
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Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Steps up in OHL
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Ritchie is having a strong campaign with OHL Oshawa, supplying 14 goals and 59 points through 32 outings.
The Avalanche began the 2024-25 campaign dealing with more than their fair share of injuries, in addition to missing Valeri Nichushkin (suspension), which gave Ritchie an opportunity to start the season with the NHL squad. However, Ritchie failed to impress over a seven-game stint, recording one goal, no assists, a minus-7 rating and 11 shots. He logged 16:05 of ice time in his NHL debut and steadily saw his playing time decline from there to a low of 7:14 in his final game with Colorado on Oct. 22. The Avalanche returned him to Oshawa as a result, where he's done far better. While Ritchie's first stint with the Avalanche didn't impress, the 20-year-old has the potential to develop into a solid forward for Colorado. The Avalanche selected him with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
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Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Notches two points in debut
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Ritchie (shoulder) made his season debut for OHL Oshawa against Kingston on Sunday, recording a goal and an assist.
Ritchie managed 59 points in 59 games for the Generals last season and looks poised to average at least a point per game this season as well. Selected by the Avs with the 27th pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the 18-year-old center could make the jump to the professional ranks next season if he continues to impress with his offensive upside.
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Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Will miss start of season
Rotowire
Ritchie (shoulder) will miss training camp and the start of the season, Ryan Boulding of NHL.com reports.
Ritchie underwent shoulder surgery following his season with OHL Oshawa. While no specific timeline has been established, his recovery will last into the season, making it unlikely Ritchie plays before November.
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Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Dealing with shoulder
Rotowire
Ritchie underwent shoulder surgery following last season and didn't skate at Development Camp, Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now reports.
Ritchie, taken 27th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, remains a question mark as the Avalanche prepare for the Rookie Faceoff Tournament that begins Friday in Las Vegas. He was hoping to be available for the tournament, which features the top prospects from Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Los Angeles, San Jose and Vegas.
