A few days after Calum Ritchie completed the Avalanche's development camp, the organization signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The 19-year-old forward was drafted 24th overall by Colorado in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He had a successful 2023-24 season with the Ontario Hockey League's Oshawa Generals despite missing the first 17 games. He earned 80 points (28g/52a) in 50 regular-season games and was ranked sixth in the league with 1.60 points per game. In the postseason, he ranked second in the league with 30 points (8g/22a) in 21 OHL Playoff games. The Generals finished the regular season atop of the Eastern Conference and made it to the Finals but were swept by the London Knights.
From left to right: Avalanche president of hockey operations Joe Sakic, Forward Calum Ritchie and GM Chris MacFarland
Ritchie did not skate in last year's development camp due to a shoulder injury but participated in off-ice activities. He was a full participant in this year's development camp and said he learned a lot from the team's staff.
"I've talked with the development guys all season and how they're going to help my game. I could tell they put a lot of pride into their prospects and they take a lot of time with them. I'm really thankful for them," Ritchie said after the Burgundy and White scrimmage game on July 5.
The 6-foot-2, 187-pound forward racked up a total of 184 points (71g/113a) in 174 regular-season games from 2021-24 in his three OHL seasons. He was named to the 2022 OHL First All-Rookie Team and helped Team Canada earn a bronze medal in the 2023 IIHF U-18 World Championship.
The Brampton, Ontario native notched three points in the development camp scrimmage game and displayed a high level of talent in the matchup.
"Ever since I've been around this organization I kind of realize how dialed in you have to kind of be and everyone's just on the ball," Ritchie said. "I just have to have really good habits here and really working on that ... It's a winning culture. Like you really realize how serious they take it here and how dialed in you have to be."
According to CapFriendly, Ritchie's contract is worth $950,000 per year.
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