3 Colorado Avalanche prospects that could get a serious look at training camp this fall

#1: Calum Ritchie

The most intriguing prospect of all has to be Calum Ritchie. Ritchie was the 27th pick of the 2023 draft. His draft stock rose in his draft year after notching 59 points in 59 games.

At 6’2” and 187 pounds, the 19-year-old figures to have the size and skill to become a solid top-six NHL center. So, the question is: Could Ritchie make the Colorado Avalanche this season?

In my estimation, Ritchie could get a realistic opportunity to show what he can do, especially if he shines at the Rookie Faceoff event.

While the fourth-line center spot is open to competition, it’s silly to imagine the Avs using Ritchie on the fourth line. In that case, it’s just better for him to go back to Junior for one more season.

If the Avs are serious about giving Ritchie a shot this season, it would have to be on the third line. Dropping Ross Colton to the checking line, while giving Ritchie solid third-line minutes, could give the Avs enviable center depth.

Of course, we could make an argument that Ritchie has the potential to be a second-line center. However, he’s not quite there, yet. So, it seems the third line could be the best spot for Ritchie at this point.

One way of looking at it is this: The Avs give Ritchie a nine-game tryout in the NHL. If he shows he belongs, he stays. Otherwise, the Colorado Avalanche can send Ritchie back to Junio for his final season without burning the first year on his entry-level contract.

At the end of the day, it pays for the Avalanche to give Ritchie a shot. The Avs won’t really know what they’ve got in him until that happens.