Calum Ritchie is Proving Why He Was A First Round Pick Despite Questions Last Season

Calum Ritchie has been lightning hot since returning from injury with 41 points in 25 games, proving why he was selected in the first round despite many ranking him lower.

Calum Ritchie was selected 27th overall by the Colorado Avalanche last June, as the fourth OHLer taken in the 2023 NHL Draft. This season, he is performing better than all three of those players taken before him.

The Oakville, Ontario-native began the season injured, but that did not seem to hinder him when he returned 25 games ago. He is now up to 41 points in 25 games this season, leading Oshawa to a season much better than most expected. 

Ritchie has been known for his two-way game and hockey sense ever since he entered the OHL. Not only has he expanded upon that game this season, but he has taken a step in his creativity and driving ability offensively.

He was the leader of the Generals when he was seventeen last season, but now he is being relied upon even more — if that is even possible. Ritchie can do it a. Coaches are able to put him on the ice in any situation, and they know that he will succeed. 

The only real concerns of Ritchie's game heading into the draft were his lack of creativity, and his average speed.

This season through 25 games, Ritchie has certainly become more creative, and his speed is not a concern when he thinks the game the way he does.

Ritchie has a little more help this season — compared to last. Also creating offensively for the Generals is captain Stuart Rolofs, draft-eligible forward Beckett Sennecke, and Connor Lockhart. 

Sennecke and Ritchie spent a lot of time together last season. Ritchie has the ability to make the players around him better, and he has certainly made Sennecke better. The two may not play on a line together every night, but Ritchie has definitely helped Sennecke develop into more of a complete forward.

The Avalanche have got a good one in Ritchie, and he could easily play higher than his projection when they drafted him last June. 

Lead by Ritchie, the Generals could definitely do some damage in the postseason as they sit fourth in the East. Oshawa has won seven of their last eight, and in a tight Eastern Conference, they could move up the ranks rapidly.