Chris MacFarland and the Avalanche held onto Ross Colton this summer, keeping Colorado three-deep down the middle heading into next season. As things currently stand, that’s probably the right move, because beyond those three, there isn’t much in terms of NHL-caliber center depth in the organization.
If the season were to start today, who would be the fourth line center for the Avalanche? Would it be veteran Chris Wagner, who has spent more time in the AHL than the NHL over the last three years? Do the Avalanche try to convert a winger to center during camp? Or is that fourth line center more likely to be plucked off waivers prior to the start of the season?
If these are the options, why not give Calum Ritchie a shot when October rolls around?
On Monday, the organization signed the 19 year old Ritchie to his entry-level contract. It was always going to happen, but with it done, he’s clear to enter training camp with his mind set on one thing – starting his season in the NHL. That work has already begun, with a focus on getting stronger.
“Strength is a big thing,” Ritchie told me at development camp. “Just improve all aspects of my game like my skating and my shot. That’s a big focus so far. I’ve put on some good strength, like 10 pounds of muscle already, so feeling good and just need to continue that.”
Last summer, Ritchie wasn’t able to add that muscle to his body, as he was recovering from shoulder surgery. Earlier this year, he talked to me about just how bad his shoulder got. Once he came back from surgery, he was lights out, helping Oshawa get all the way to the OHL Final.
The Avalanche have every reason to be happy with his development, and this summer is big for the former first round pick.
“With surgery, you miss a whole summer. It’s a lot for a hockey player, especially at that age,” Avalanche Director of Player Development Brian Willsie said last week. “Having the year he had and the long run Oshawa had, playing a lot of minutes in Junior with that body type, you’re losing weight. Now it’s a big summer for him, nutrition wise, off-ice.”
Recognizing how big this summer is, the Avalanche talked to Ritchie about staying an extra week in Denver to, as Ritchie put it, “work on my game and my strength.” Once this week is done, he’ll head back to train for next season. Unfortunately, CHL rules limit where he can play this Fall.
Because Ritchie doesn’t turn 20 until January of 2025, he is not eligible to play in the AHL this coming season. If he had been born a few weeks earlier, things could have been different, but that’s not the case. It’s either the OHL or the NHL for him, with a trip to the World Juniors all but guaranteed in December.
Given his dominant season in the OHL, is there much for him to learn with another full season in Oshawa? I’d argue there isn’t, which is why I propose the following – start Ritchie in the NHL, let him train with some of the best in the world, give him a 9 game (or less) trial, and if he isn’t ready, let him go back to the OHL and don’t burn a year of that contract. Colorado could have the room at the start of the year to at least give it a chance. With no Valeri Nichushkin until November, and Gabriel Landeskog’s return date up in the air, talent will be needed in the lineup. Why not see what Ritchie can do?
If he’s not ready, you can easily send him back. At the very least, it’s a new challenge for him as opposed to another full year in the OHL where we know what he is capable of.
And who knows? Maybe he adjusts quickly and has a Wyatt Johnston-esque rookie season, giving the Avalanche a talented player on an ELC to help with their cap situation. The organization could certainly use Ritchie and/or Nikolai Kovalenko providing great value for cheap if they can get it.
Ritchie got to know his future head coach Jared Bednar a bit more last week, as the bench boss for the Avalanche pulled him aside for a long chat on day two of development camp.
“My development and stuff, what I’m going to be doing this summer,” Ritchie said when I asked what the two were chatting about.
Maybe a taste of NHL hockey is in that development plan this Fall.