A deeper dive into the NY Islanders newest prospect Calum Ritchie

If you managed to stay awake by the time the news broke last night, you're probably a bit groggy this morning after staring at your phone into the early hours of trade deadline day.

If you're just getting to your phone this morning, the NY Islanders have acquired prospect Calum Ritchie from the Colorado Avalanche in a deal for Brock Nelson.

Selected 27th overall in 2023, Ritchie plays his junior hockey for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. Playing his fourth season of junior hockey, Ritchie has accumulated 67 points (14 G, 43 A) through 41 games this season on a Generals team that currently sits in third in the Eastern Conference, - only a point behind the top spot.

Ritchie is on of the league's top prospects

In losing Nelson, the Isles are losing a two-way forward that has done everything for the organization over his 901 career games on Long Island. But in acquiring Ritchie, they may have found his replacement of the future.

Ritchie has a similar build and style of play to Nelson. He's 6'2" with room to fill out while still only 20 years old.

Ritchie is a virtuoso down to most minute details. A true center in every sense, he’s positionally sound, battles for the puck in both ends of the ice, and masters the little things which allow coaches to trust him in all situations.

In a sport in which play moves faster than most can comprehend, Ritchie hasn't had any issues adapating to the speed of the game at each level he's played. Hes shown his capabilities at the junior level for years, and has even shown glimpses at the NHL level.

Ritchie made the Avalanche roster out of training camp, playing seven games among their early season injury crisis. Appearing in seven games, Ritchie recorded a goal and an assist, with his first career goal coming against Ilya Sorokin and the Islanders.