NY Islanders decide where Calum Ritchie will start the 2025-26 season

After making a strong push to make the New York Islanders roster before suffering a lower-leg injury that made the decision easier on the coaching staff, the team announced Monday that Calum Ritchie has been loaned to the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League, marking the next step in the 20-year-old forward’s development.

Ritchie recorded two points in four preseason games for the Islanders before suffering a lower-body injury in the team’s preseason finale on Oct. 2. He was placed on non-roster injured reserve to start the season and has been rehabbing steadily since. When he suits up for Bridgeport, the 2023 first-round pick (27th overall) will officially make his AHL debut.

The move is both procedural and purposeful — giving Ritchie a chance to play regular minutes after missing time due to injury, while continuing his adjustment to the professional game. Prior to turning pro, Ritchie starred with the Oshawa Generals (OHL), where he amassed 254 points (86 G, 168 A) in 221 games. He also appeared in seven NHL contests last season with Colorado before being acquired by the Islanders in the Brock Nelson trade.

During training camp, Ritchie spoke about his focus on rounding out his game. “Last year I was struggling a lot in the D-zone, giving up chances,” he said. “This year, I feel way more comfortable in our structure, closing on guys and not giving up much defensively.”

“It’s been great, obviously,” Ritchie said of training camp. “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.”

Bridgeport head coach Rocky Thompson will now oversee that next phase, giving Ritchie top-six minutes and special-teams opportunities. For the Islanders, it’s a move that balances patience and optimism — allowing one of their most promising young forwards to play, grow, and prove he’s ready for the next call-up.