NY Islanders prospect Cal Ritchie knows he has big shoes to fill after Nelson trade

There’s no mistaking the energy Cal Ritchie is bringing into his first New York Islanders rookie camp. The 20-year-old center, acquired in the Brock Nelson trade, is showing early signs of why the organization was so high on him.

“Yeah, it was awesome,” Ritchie said after day one on Long Island. “I think it’s a really good group of guys. A lot of talent, a lot of great prospects here. So, it’s been a lot of fun so far. Good way to get the juices flowing before camp for real training camp.”

That competitive spirit was obvious in his first skate. “It was a good high tempo practice today. So, it’s kind of good to set the tone in that sense and get ready for the rest of camp.” Ritchie has already bonded with the Isles’ next wave. “I’ve gotten close with like Schaefer, Romano, Maggio, George, all those guys. So, it’s been really good. Everyone’s a great guy here. It’s actually an unreal group.”

He’s especially impressed with the Islanders’ No. 1 pick. “He’s so skilled. I mean, you see some of his highlights, then you see him out there. It’s unreal. So, it’s a lot of fun to watch.” The young center isn’t shying away from expectations, either. “Obviously my goal is obviously playing in the NHL like everyone here. So, I’m just going to work my hardest and try to achieve that.”

And yes, he knows the weight of being “the guy” in the Nelson trade. “Brock is like a legend here, and to be traded for him, it’s obviously big shoes to fill. So, I’m going to work my hardest every day to try to fill [them].”

Ritchie was good enough to start last season with the high-powered Colorado Avalanche (and score his first NHL goal against the Islanders), and it's clear his intentions are to do the same in his new organization, which has a brighter future with him on Long Island.