Islanders’ Cal Ritchie Returns Just Before Olympic Break

On Saturday, the Islanders initially believed Cal Ritchie would be sidelined during the Olympic break.

Coach Patrick Roy humorously remarked that, instead of adhering to a precise timeline, Ritchie’s status should be updated daily. Just that Thursday morning, he confirmed Ritchie would be playing in the Islanders’ last game before the three-week hiatus against the Devils. “He felt great,” Roy said. “If a player thinks he’s ready, why hold him back?”

In the Islanders’ 3-1 victory, Ritchie replaced centers Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman, while Anthony Duclair, who had minimal ice time in a prior game, was healthy but sat out.

“He was perfect and will be fine,” Roy mentioned regarding Duclair, who has been benched a couple of times lately. “I’m not worried about him. He’s fine.”

Returning to the ice, the 21-year-old Ritchie seemed unaffected by his previous injury, making an impact in nearly 14 minutes of play as a second-line center. If this level of performance continues when the season picks up again, it could be an impressive turnaround.

“He was good—oh my God, he was great,” Roy said, praising Ritchie’s playmaking and defensive skills. “I was very happy with the way he played.”

Ritchie recounted trying to skate before a January 26 game against the Flyers but feeling some discomfort, prompting him to improve with rest and rehabilitation. “It was really about seeing how I felt each day and focusing on my rehab. Now, I feel good,” he shared.

He chose a cautious approach, forgoing another three weeks of rehab because he felt ready. “For me, I just want to help the team,” Ritchie declared. “Every game matters this season, and I really want to contribute.”

In a related note, Ondrej Palat got emotional during his first game back at Prudential Center as he watched a tribute video from his time with the Devils. Having spent four seasons in New Jersey before being traded to the Islanders, he fondly reminisced, saying, “My four years here were amazing. This place holds great memories for me.”