Islanders prospect Calum Ritchie sidelined just as momentum builds

Calum Ritchie has spent the past several weeks showcasing the most polished form of his young career in a determined bid to crack the New York Islanders’ Opening Night roster. Yet, as so often happens, life has a way of intervening just when momentum seems to be on your side. 

Ritchie turned in a strong performance during the Islanders’ 4–3 preseason win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, but the night ended on a sour note. He sustained a lower-body injury during the game and has been ruled out for one to two weeks, temporarily halting his bid to secure a roster spot. 

It would have been tough to secure a roster spot one way or the other, but Ritchie was outstanding. In 61 total minutes of ice time, Ritchie put up two points (one goal, one assist). But the more impressive stat is that he recorded nine shots on goal, two hits, and two blocked shots. This was a player who was badly wanted to make the opening night roster, as he did last year with the Colorado Avalanche. Of course, the Avs ended up trading their 2023 27th overall pick to the Islanders last year in the Brock Nelson trade.  

With Bo Horvat, Mat Barzal, J.G. Pageau, and Casey Cizikas entrenched down the middle, the Islanders’ depth at center would have effectively blocked Ritchie from playing his natural position. But nonetheless, it still would have been interesting even if they had him play a winger on opening night. 

Impact of Losing Ritchie 

It’s a relatively minor injury, and Ritchie isn’t expected to miss significant time. Still, its timing carries weight. Opening Night is when the spotlight burns brightest—fans are locked in, expectations are reset, and every player gets a chance to make an impression. Ritchie, in particular, was poised to seize that moment. Known for his relentless, high-effort style, he undoubtedly would have poured himself into every shift to prove to Patrick Roy and the Islanders’ brass that he belongs at the NHL level. 

That kind of grinder’s mentality can be contagious. While the Islanders have no shortage of seasoned veterans capable of setting the tone, there’s something uniquely galvanizing about a young, hungry former first-round pick—one who’s been overlooked and is desperate to prove he’s the next big thing. That could be the difference between a one-goal loss and let's say a two-goal victory.

The Islanders open their season on October 9, giving Ritchie a chance to be ready in time—provided he earns a spot on the roster. Should he be assigned to the Bridgeport Islanders, he would have additional time to recover, as the AHL club doesn’t begin its season until October 11.