2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: C Calum Ritchie

The Colorado Avalanche hold the 27th overall selection in June 28’s NHL draft, and we’ll be beginning our draft prep with some profiles of players who may be available when the Avalanche make their pick.

In addition to these profiles, CHN will also soon have draft commentary from a CHL scout, as well as an interview with the Director of Scouting for the Scouting Service in the near future.

Today’s player profile is of Oshawa Generals center Calum Ritchie.

Prospect Information:

Team: Oshawa Generals

Position: Center

Date of Birth: Jan. 21, 2005 (18)

Height: 6’2

Weight: 187

Statistics:

Games: 59

Goals: 24

Assists: 35

Points: 59

NHL Draft Rankings Roundup:

Elite Prospects: 28

TSN/Bob McKenzie Mid-Year: 13

Mckeens Hockey: 24

DobberProspects: 24

HockeyProspect.com January Ranking: 31

The Athletic: 27

Evan’s Scouting Report:

A good, but not great skater for the Oshawa Generals. He’s a right shot center who was used in every possible situation by his team, and wore an “A” as an 18 year old. Good size, and a trusted defensive player. Seemed to understand how to play the center position at both ends of the ice. In my viewings, he was used quite frequently on the penalty kill, and same goes for the powerplay, so the opportunities were there an a team that wasn’t that great. From a skill standpoint, nothing really jumped off the page. He was good, but not great in any area. He didn’t have one skill offensively that really stood out. The production isn’t all that impressive either, but then again, he wasn’t on the best team. Not an overly physical player, despite having good size.

Based off the rankings, it would be a small surprise to see him drop to #27. Expectations seemed to be higher for him at the start of the year. Everything about his game screams “solid NHL player” but doesn’t strike me as someone with elite skill. While watching him, he kind of reminded me of J.T. Compher in a way, as he can be used in all situations but doesn’t really stand out all that much. At #27, getting a player that has a similar career trajectory to Compher would hardly be a bad thing. He’d be a safe, but not sexy pick.

Here’s a video of one of his games for anyone who would like to watch.