NY Islanders center Calum Ritchie talks two-way development, rooming with Schaefer

Two weeks into training camp, New York Islanders prospect Calum Ritchie looks like a player who has taken a big step forward. The 20-year-old center has impressed in preseason games, earning time with veterans Casey Cizikas and Kyle Palmieri, while also carving out a role on the penalty kill.

“It’s been great, obviously,” Ritchie said. “You get a chance to play with guys like Cizikas and Palmieri in games, and every shift you’re learning. You’re coming back to the bench talking about what just happened, and you’re picking up things every day from those guys.”

That comfort level wasn’t there a year ago. “It’s not even comparable,” Ritchie admitted. “Last year I was struggling a lot in the D-zone, giving up chances. This year I feel way more comfortable in our structure, closing on guys and not giving up much defensively.”

Ritchie’s added penalty-kill work has been a highlight. He credits his development in Oshawa after being sent back last season. “I wanted to be more well-rounded, not just power play, but PK too. I feel really comfortable out there now, even against top NHL players,” he said.

That versatility could be a key to sticking with the Islanders. “I’ve always wanted to be that kind of player,” Ritchie said. “Good at all aspects of the game. I think I’ve made strides, especially defensively, and I just want to keep improving.”

Ritchie has also been quick to praise his fellow prospect and current roommate, Matthew Schaefer. “He’s awesome. His skating really stands out — those backchecks he’s had are impressive. I played with him at World Juniors, and he’s way better now. It’s exciting to see how much he’s improved.”

Off the ice, their friendship has grown. “We room together, so he’s one of my closer friends here,” Ritchie said. “I’m driving him around everywhere — it’s on his time, he runs it.”

That driving includes a visit to your local Long Island grocery store. "We went shopping last night. We went grocery shopping, got a lot of snacks," said Schaefer. "We need some snacks for the room cause sometimes when you’re there late at night and you’re hungry, I mean, you don’t want to go order something, it takes an hour. So, we got some munchies."