Cal Ritchie is powering his way to NHL role with Avalanche

Cal Ritchie’s path to the NHL has been defined by resilience. Despite setbacks, including a shoulder injury sustained at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup that affected his draft position, he was selected 27th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2023 NHL Draft.

As he prepares for the upcoming season, Ritchie remains focused on refining his skills, getting bigger and stronger, and making a compelling case for a permanent spot on Colorado’s roster.

Following shoulder surgery after the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine, he made a strong comeback. He debuted in the 2023-24 season on November 12th and went on to score 80 points in 50 regular-season games. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the OHL Second All-Star Team. Despite the Generals being swept by the London Knights in the OHL Finals, he managed to score 30 points in 21 playoff games.

His stellar performance not only earned him recognition in the OHL but also positioned him as the top prospect for the Avs.

Reflecting on his season, Ritchie said, “I thought it was a really good year for me. I learned so much. We faced a lot of adversity as a team this year. We weren’t in a playoff spot going into Christmas, and we ended up finishing first in our conference and going to the finals.”

He credited the team’s success to their collective effort, saying, “Our team, we just bought into our systems and what our coach was telling us, and the results kind of showed. We were playing a team game; we just wanted to win every night, and that’s what we started to do more.”

Ritchie’s comeback from his shoulder injury was a critical moment in his journey.

He emerged as a polished two-way center and absorbed significant minutes on the top line, first power-play unit, and penalty kill. He’s a fierce competitor and used his size to win battles and command possession.

His high IQ was on display at the Avs development camp this past week. Ritchie was unable to attend last year’s camp, so this was an important first viewing.

During the four-on-four scrimmage, Team Burgundy’s offense largely ran through him. Among a crop of players who had never played together, he was a conduit. He could anticipate their reads and found his teammates easily. The ice was tilted in Team Burgundy’s favor, and Ritchie was a huge part of that.

An essential part of his development has been the guidance and support from the organization.

After the team session on day two, Jared Bednar initiated a one-on-one conversation with him. Ritchie said they discussed his development and revealed that he’d stay an extra week after the development camp to work on his game and his strength with the team.

He appreciated Bednar’s personal attention, stating, “He came over and started talking to me about my season. It was pretty cool to be able to talk with him about my development. It helps so much; it’s good to kind of soak up that information.”

Looking ahead, he is focused on getting stronger and improving all aspects of his game. He highlighted the importance of strength and overall improvement coming into this summer.

“I think strength is a big thing. Improving all aspects of my game, like my skating and my shot and everything, that’s a big focus so far. I’ve put on some good muscle. I’ve gained like ten pounds already, so I’m feeling good and just need to continue doing that.”

He is well aware of the challenges ahead but remains locked in on his goal of making the Avs.

“I’m going to rookie camp and then to main camp and then try my best to earn a spot. Obviously, I know it’s going to be a tough challenge, but I’m confident in myself, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Cal Ritchie on goals for the upcoming year

“It’s a big summer for him,” said Brian Willsie, Colorado’s Director of Player Development. “Nutrition-wise, off-ice, and this is just another week in it. We’re excited to send him home and see him back here in late August or early September.”

The CHL agreement places the team in a challenging spot. Players drafted from the CHL who have played three or fewer seasons or are under 20 must be returned to their junior team if they aren’t in the NHL. They cannot be assigned to the AHL or ECHL. The Avs will have to be resolute in their decision with 19-year-old Ritchie.

After nine games, the Avs can return him to juniors with no effect on his contract. If he’s kept beyond nine games, his entry-level contract kicks in. Between the runway of training camp and preseason, in addition to nine regular-season games, they’ll get a small sample of his fit. It’s up to Ritchie to make an undeniable impression that forces the Avs to make a firm decision.

Casey Mittelstadt signed an extension for three years and Ross Colton is under contract until 2027. With Nathan MacKinnon cemented to the top of the lineup, this covers the second and third lines for the foreseeable future. However, one hole remains down the middle of the fourth line. Yakov Trenin moonlighted there last season, but he’s off to Minnesota.

The Avs clearly have a need to fill this position, though it’s traditionally a role not entrusted to rookies. Former 16th overall pick Alex Newhook was closely managed in his first year and required AHL time—a luxury that Ritchie will not have next season.

As Ritchie prepares for training camp, his focus remains on continuous personal improvement.

With the Avalanche eyeing another strong season, he’s right on the edge of being just a bit raw to earn trusted minutes, but his clear ambition and dedication could be a valuable addition to a team with a roster spot to fill.