Former Avalanche first-rounder poised for breakout NHL season with new team
Photo credit: Lucas Peltier / Imagn Images
Former Colorado Avalanche first-round pick Calum Ritchie is gearing up for what could be a breakout NHL season with the New York Islanders, aiming to make a strong impression in his first full campaign.
Ritchie was selected in the first round (27th overall) by the Avalanche in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Former Avalanche first-round pick Calum Ritchie eager for fresh start with Islanders.
Stefen Rosner from NHL.com writes that Ritchie was acquired by the Islanders in a significant deal just one day before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6.
«It was a call pretty late at night, that I was getting traded to the Islanders. At first, it was a bit of a shock, but I realized the opportunity that's there with the Islanders. «I got to talk to management and development people, and I've heard nothing but great things about the organization. I'm excited to get to camp and get going with them." -Ritchie
The Avalanche sent Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a 2026 first-round pick, and a conditional third-rounder in 2028 to the Islanders in exchange for veteran forward Brock Nelson and prospect William Dufour.
Ritchie understands the grind and determination it takes to crack an NHL roster, and he's prepared to prove himself once again, this time in an Islanders uniform.
«I'm going to come in here and work as hard as I can to show them what I've got,» the 20-year-old forward prospect said during Islanders development camp in July." -Ritchie
Ritchie joins the Islanders fresh off an impressive junior campaign with the Oshawa Generals, where he tallied 70 points (15 goals, 55 assists) in 47 regular-season games and added 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 21 playoff appearances, helping lead his team to the Memorial Cup Final before falling to London.
Following a deep playoff run in junior and a brief stint taste of NHL action with the Avalanche, Ritchie is hungry to prove himself and take the next big step in his professional career.
«Just the pace of (the NHL) is so high and you have to be really good defensively. That was something I continued to work on the rest of the season. And when I got sent back to Oshawa, I thought I improved my game a lot. I'm just happy where my game has grown since being in Colorado. I'm excited to show what I've got.» -Ritchie
In seven career NHL games, Ritchie recorded only one goal.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 1 | 18 ANSWERS Former Avalanche first-rounder poised for breakout NHL season with new team Do you think former Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie will crack the opening night roster with the New York Islanders next season? | ||
| yes | 11 | 61.1 % |
| no | 7 | 38.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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