EAST MEADOW, NY — Calum Ritchie knows that the expectations placed upon him are high, even if it is simply by coincidence.
Shortly after a seven-game debut stint in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, the 20-year-old center was acquired by the New York Islanders at the 2025 trade deadline in March.
It just so happened that he was being traded for Islanders legend Brock Nelson, who was one of the team’s most prolific and consistent goal scorers in the post-dynasty era.
“Brock’s a legend here,” Ritchie said on the first day of Islanders rookie camp on Thursday. “To be traded for him, it’s obviously big shoes to fill. I’m going to work my hardest every day to try to fill that.”
The playmaking forward, who recorded 15 goals and 55 assists (70 points) in 47 games with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals last season, appeared to be on the fast track to make New York’s NHL roster in 2025-26.
That outlook, however, has changed. New general manager Mathieu Darche is sticking with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Casey Cizikas down the middle to round out the bottom six. There is the possibility that Mathew Barzal could move back to his natural position at center, too, after a two-year experiment on Bo Horvat’s wing.
Darche also brought in veteran winger Jonathan Drouin, Russian star Maxim Shabanov, and acquired Emil Heineman from the Montreal Canadiens in the Noah Dobson deal.
Simply put, there’s a larger road block potentially preventing Ritchie from the pros than their was three months ago.
“My goal is obviously to play in the NHL,” Ritchie said. “So I’m going to work my hardest and try to achieve that.”
Ritchie was adamant that he is “a lot better of player” now compared to when he made his brief NHL debut stint in Colorado, in which he recorded one goal before getting sent back to juniors.
“My two-way game, my passing improved last season,” Ritchie said. “I think I’ve always been considered a playmaker. I felt like I was moving the puck really good last season… I’m confident in my abilities right now, and my defensive game has improved a lot, too. So I’m happy with where I am.”
