Colorado Avalanche Rumors: Analyzing the Anaheim Ducks as Trade Partners

Nick Ritchie

If I’m the Avs, and I’m considering a trade with the Ducks, then there is only one forward I consider from their organization — Nick Ritchie.

Ritchie has developed slowly considering he is a former No. 10 overall pick, but his ceiling is still high. He had 30 points in 38 games — along with 8 points in 9 playoff games — for the San Diego Gulls in the 2015-16 season, which was his first in the AHL.

He made the jump to the NHL for 33 games last season as well, but he didn’t perform particularly well. This year, he made the Ducks right out of training camp, and he has had an alright season. Ritchie has 18 points in 53 games with the Ducks this season, and he’s starting to find his game.

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The future is still bright for Nick Ritchie as he is still only 21 years old. Furthermore, Nick Ritchie is a bruising forward at 6’2″ and 230 pounds — he is the prototypical power forward. He has a great shot, and he is a beast on the forecheck. Nonetheless, Ritchie’s potential probably has him leveling out as a reliable 2nd line power forward who can consistently put up 50 points.

I could see that number increasing to 60 points as well, but he is not going to be a superstar. Nonetheless, I’ll bite my tongue if that ends up happening because that kind of development is not completely out of the question for Ritchie.

Anyway, let’s move onto the final player in this analysis.