Cal Ritchie's game has seen massive improvements over the last 20 games with the NY Islanders

"On the cusp of making the team out of training camp, Ritchie suffered a lower-body injury with a timeline of two weeks, forcing him to begin the season with the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL. After just three games in Bridgeport, the Islanders were dealing with injury problems of their own, calling the rookie up for his first action with the big club."

"Over the Islanders' last 20 games, Ritchie has found a home in the Islanders' top-6 and the top power play unit, with his play and ice-time rapidly improving. Over that span, he's added 11 points (4 G, 7 A), averaging 14:59 a night, opposed to 12:54 in his first 28."

"His skating is average at best, but Ritchie is cerebrally among the best in the league despite his age, making up for lack of foot speed."

Calum Ritchie, a top-25 prospect acquired by the Islanders in a trade involving Brock Nelson, was expected to be a franchise cornerstone alongside Matthew Schaefer. After suffering a lower-body injury during training camp, Ritchie began the season in the AHL before being called up due to team injuries. His initial performance was modest with four goals and four assists in 28 games across multiple lines. However, over the last 20 games, Ritchie has flourished in the top-6 and top power play unit, accumulating 11 points while increasing his ice time from 12:54 to 14:59 per game. Despite average skating ability, his cerebral play and hockey intelligence compensate for his lack of foot speed, making him a valuable contributor on the power play.

Read at Eyes On Isles