San Jose, CAIF. – A year ago, the islander's prospect pool was widely regarded as one of the worst cases in hockey.
Quinn Finley and Danny Nelson have taken a positive step in their respective college programs, and the team has used their first round picks with Cole Izerman, so it's been building for the good for a while.
However, the centre, Calum Ritchie, was bought Thursday night as a centerpiece for the Brock Nelson deal, and soon became the organisation's best prospect. This is the first round pick of 2023 projecting as the NHL's top six center.
“I called from Isles Management around 12:30. Richie posted on the phone on Friday morning in his first comment after the deal. “As soon as I heard the news that I went to the Islanders, I was clearly very excited. A great organization. An up-and-coming opportunity out there.”
And to be clear, the NHL is coming sooner than the 20-year-old who dominated this season with General Oshawa of the Ontario League.
“That's the goal,” Richie said. “Obviously I want to play for the islanders next season. I'll go camp and work hard. See what happens.”
Richie made his NHL debut this season, playing seven games in the avalanche in October before being sent back to juniors.
Coincidentally, his only point came with the goal he scored against the islanders.
At 6 feet 2, 190 pounds, Richie looks like a long-term alternative to the islanders of Brock Nelson, a big center with high-end offensive talent.
“I think I'm a good, reliable, two-way center where I can look closely at the ice and make it,” Richie said. “I think I have good shots too. I'm just excited. I'll do anything to get the team to win.”
There is no immediate connection to the organization – Kyle McLean played juniors at Oshawa, but the two didn't cross the path, while Richie works with Andrew Rudd as a mental performance coach.
“I heard something really great,” he said. “I'm very excited to get down there and meet everyone in the organization and start.”
The islanders quickly signed a contract at the deadline and sent Dennis Chorowsky to the Devil in exchange for Adam Beckman.
Beckman will report to AHL Bridgeport.
Marcus Hegberg traveled and practiced with the islanders.
But coach Patrick Roy didn't say whether that meant that Hegberg would soon leave the injured reserve.
