Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Shipped back to junior team
Rotowire
Ritchie was reassigned to OHL Oshawa on Wednesday.
Ritchie scored a goal on 11 shots and added six hits over his first seven NHL games, but he also carried a minus-7 rating and saw his ice time slip in recent games. The 19-year-old forward remains one of the Avalanche's top prospects, but he can play in a maximum of two more NHL games without burning a year of his entry-level deal this season. As such, Ritchie is expected to spend the rest of the campaign in the junior ranks, including potentially representing Team Canada at the World Junior Championship this winter.
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Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Notches two points in debut
Rotowire
Ritchie (shoulder) made his season debut for OHL Oshawa against Kingston on Sunday, recording a goal and an assist.
Ritchie managed 59 points in 59 games for the Generals last season and looks poised to average at least a point per game this season as well. Selected by the Avs with the 27th pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the 18-year-old center could make the jump to the professional ranks next season if he continues to impress with his offensive upside.
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Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Will miss start of season
Rotowire
Ritchie (shoulder) will miss training camp and the start of the season, Ryan Boulding of NHL.com reports.
Ritchie underwent shoulder surgery following his season with OHL Oshawa. While no specific timeline has been established, his recovery will last into the season, making it unlikely Ritchie plays before November.
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Avalanche's Calum Ritchie: Dealing with shoulder
Rotowire
Ritchie underwent shoulder surgery following last season and didn't skate at Development Camp, Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now reports.
Ritchie, taken 27th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, remains a question mark as the Avalanche prepare for the Rookie Faceoff Tournament that begins Friday in Las Vegas. He was hoping to be available for the tournament, which features the top prospects from Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Los Angeles, San Jose and Vegas.
