Cal Ritchie’s next hockey game will likely be for the NY Islanders

The NY Islanders newest prospect, Cal Ritchie, finished his junior career last night as his Oshawa Generals fell to the London Knights in five games in the OHL Finals.

Ritchie started his postseason slower than his normal pace, but picked it up in the later series for Oshawa. He finished with 25 points (9 G, 16 A) in 21 games, seventh most in the league.

Cal Ritchie should joint the Islanders next season

Not only has he been one of Oshawa’s best players this postseason, but he finishes his career with 66 playoff points, trailing only Eric Lindros, who finished in Oshawa with 74.

Ready to turn pro, Ritchie’s next hockey game will likely be with the Islanders. 

Playing seven games in his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche, Ritchie’s first and only tally came against the Islanders. Now he’ll be turned to as a big part of the Isles’ future.

Ritchie is highly regarded as one of the best prospects in the league, touted for his two-way play and mental fortitude.

"When you're that smart, and you're that competitive, you're going to be able to make a difference in the game,” said Craig Button of TSN. “And Cal Ritchie makes a difference in the game."

With the departure of Brock Nelson in the deal that landed Ritchie, it leaves a glaring hole down the middle of the Islanders lineup. The expectation is that Ritchie will step into that role, likely on the second or third line if the team decides to elevate JG Pageau into a top-6 role.

It’s an exciting time as Ritchie will be one of the best prospects to step into the islanders lineup in some time, as he’ll be a massive part of the future of this organization.