Colorado Avalanche Top 25 Under 25: #1 Calum Ritchie

A new number one for the first time in years!

The Top 25 Under 25 is a Mile High Hockey staff collaboration. Six writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of August 1, 2024. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.

Was it ever in doubt who was number one on our list?

With Cale Makar aging himself out of our annual Colorado Avalanche Top 25 Under 25 list, it was time for a new number one to slot in his place. Calum Ritchie is just the guy to do so, coming in unanimously at number one among the six writers – and likely will be there for years to come.

The hype around Ritchie has been astronomical, and understandable as well. His most recent season at the junior level with the Oshawa Generals helped his case, with 80 points in 50 games. In 21 playoff games, he also added eight goals and 22 assists for an additional 30 points – totaling 110 points in 71 games.

Ritchie’s ability to simply take over games with his style of play is phenomenal. He’s a big body playing up the middle with capabilities of getting to the front of the net. Likewise, he can use the body on the forecheck and force turnovers, giving him a great chance to show off his wonderful hands and shot.

He’s been more involved with the organization this offseason than ever, having been in Denver ever since the beginning of development camp in July. Back then, he was an entire level higher than any of the other participants, and finally got to sign his deservedly-earned entry-level contract. Since then, he’s participated in informal skates as he looks to earn a roster spot come training camp in a couple of weeks and received high praise from his teammates.

The 19-year-old Canadian has been holding his own nicely, and proving he belongs. He’ll keep getting time with the Avs at least this preseason as a camp participant, and he is on the rookie tournament roster squad coming up next weekend in Los Angeles. If fans in Colorado weren’t already aware of the hot-shot rookie phenom, they’ll now know this preseason.

The big question is what the organization will do with him this season. There’s no doubt he has made himself known to the front office and coaching staff, and perhaps put a wrench in their original plans. He will be playing in the NHL eventually – but will it be this season or next?

With the Avs cap crunched with uncertainty around Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog, Ritchie’s ELC deal would help keep the cost low. The team also needs a 4C for this season, but would Ritchie fit in playing on the bottom line? Furthermore, would Colorado only give him the nine-game trail run before burning the first year of his ELC and send him back down to Oshawa, or say screw it and keep him in the side all year long?

Nonetheless, Ritchie has done what he’s needed to so far to earn a roster spot. He’s had the time and dedication to work this summer, and will only get more in the next few weeks leading up to the start of the regular season. Mind you, he’s only 19 and capable of great things already – no matter whether or not he’s in an Avalanche sweater this season.