Shocking twist rocks Avalanche fanbase as stunning career update emerges on former first-rounder
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing / Imagn Images
Colorado Avalanche fans have been left reeling after a shocking new development delivered a major career update on former first-round forward Calum Ritchie.
Ritchie was selected in the first round (27th overall) by the Avalanche in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Career update emerges on former Avalanche first-rounder Cal Ritchie.
Evan Liu from Hockey Mountain High writes that Colorado's long-term outlook once looked grim, with one notable exception in the prospect pool: Cal Ritchie, the lone bright spot in the Avalanche system.
After just one more season in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals, where he racked up an impressive 80 points in 50 games and added another 30 in 21 playoff appearances, Ritchie emphatically proved he was ready for the next step.
He impressed at Development Camp and ultimately earned his entry-level contract in the summer leading into the 2024-25 campaign. Rather than heading home, he remained in Colorado, grinding through off-season training and sticking with the team straight through camp and preseason.
Through tireless dedication, Ritchie not only stuck around, he cracked the Avalanche's opening night roster. The big question now became how Colorado would handle his ELC clock: would they give him the full nine-game audition before burning a year, cut his trial short, or commit to keeping him in the NHL for the full season?
"As the seemingly future 2C, Ritchie struggled and did show he was not quite ready to make the jump up to the NHL full-time. Regardless, he scored his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders." -Liu
After a seven-game taste of NHL action in the Mile High City, Ritchie was sent back to Oshawa, and promptly picked up right where he left off. He dominated the OHL once again, piling up 70 points in 47 games and adding 25 more in 21 payoff contests while leading the Generals back to the OHL Final for a second consecutive showdown with the London Knights.
"While he continued destroying the OHL and exciting Avalanche fans, the organization decided to be bold and go big at the trade deadline. Ritchie ended up being part of said big trade at the deadline." -Liu
Ritchie ultimately landed with the New York Islanders as part of a blockbuster package that also included Oliver Kylington, a conditional 2026 first-rounder, and a conditional 2028 third-round pick.
"Ritchie didn't suit up for Patrick Roy and the Isles last season, but just might be in the rebuilding plans moving forward. He was enjoying his time and catching lots of attention at New York's development camp in early July." -Liu
Still young and brimming with potential, Ritchie could become a key piece of the Islanders' forward group in the years ahead. While the Avalanche lean on Nelson, New York may well be banking on Ritchie as a cornerstone for their future.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 2 | 24 ANSWERS Shocking twist rocks Avalanche fanbase as stunning career update emerges on former first-rounder Did the Avalanche give up too early on former first-round pick Cal Ritchie? | ||
| yes | 19 | 79.2 % |
| no | 5 | 20.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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