Avalanche sign Calum Ritchie to three-year, entry-level contract
One of the top prospects in Mile High City’s system has inked his first NHL contract.
On Monday, the Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Calum Ritchie to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Ritchie was taken by the Avalanche with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He elected to play another season of junior hockey.
The 19-year-old became a high-end prospect thanks to his excellent offensive awareness, finding the open areas to help open up scoring chances for himself and other teammates. Ritchie also
posses smooth hands and a solid release that make him a quality offensive weapon. He was one of the better two-way players heading into his draft class, as his numbers in the faceoff circle and defensive zone showed promise that he can translate his work ethic to the next level.
Ritchie became a highly-touted player while as a member of the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. He is coming off a career-best season, scoring 28 goals and 52 assists in 50 games. All that while missing the first 17 games of the 2023-24 campaign with a shoulder injury. The Brampton native potted another eight goals and 22 assists in 21 playoff games, as the Gennies advanced to the OHL Final before losing to the London Knights in four games. Ritchie was named to the league’s second All-Star team.
In three seasons, two of which with an ‘A’ on his sweater, Ritchie played 174 games, notching 71 goals and 113 assists, including 43 points in 32 playoff appearances.
The former Oakville Ranger has also represented his country on multiple occasions. He won gold with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he led the tournament in assists (6) and points (10). Ritchie also helped his team take home bronze at the 2023 IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship.
