TSN's Craig Button lists the Colorado Avalanche's top prospect as one of the top-ranked prospects in the world.

A recent Top-50 ranking from The Sports Network's Craig Button lists the NHL's top-affiliated prospects and the Colorado Avalanche's No. 1 prospect is ranked among the best in the world. The club's 2023 first-round draft pick, Calum Ritchie was selected 27th overall and is ranked sixth behind the likes of Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers), Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), and Will Smith (San Jose Sharks). 

This season, the 19-year-old Ritchie has generated 19 goals and 60 points through 37 games with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League. Ritchie currently sits atop the Generals' points list by eight and is tied for 25th in total points in the OHL. Button has listed the forward as the main reason for the team's rise in the standings after finishing the 2022-23 campaign eighth in the conference. 

Button goes on to describe Ritchie with an "Elite hockey sense. High-end skill and flexibility in his game. He can make plays; he can score goals. He can use his size to gain advantages. He can play a quick and fast game.”

In addition to his high ranking, Button also added a AA ranking noting his overall player grade as a player with elite potential. With the Avalanche continuously pushing for a championship, the club has drafted near the back of the first round 25th overall, or later in three of the past four drafts. 

The Avalanche will look to continue rebuilding their prospect pool and likely draft around the 25th overall position or later in the upcoming 2024 NHL Entry Draft. With only one selection currently in the first three rounds, they will need to do their homework and not miss on their draft choice. 

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