Ritchie is the complete package and has been one of the top players in the OHL for the last two seasons (I think he has a claim as the best player in the league this year). From my first live viewing of him four Octobers ago in St. Catharines when he looked like the Generals’ most talented forward in just the second game of his OHL career; to his four-goal, seven-point series in Oshawa’s six-game first-round defeat against the Kingston Frontenacs three years ago; to his Hlinka performance two summers ago; to Langley at the CHL Top Prospects Game, Switzerland for U18 worlds and continued live viewings in Oshawa, Ritchie has consistently impressed me (he didn’t elevate at the World Juniors for Canada but I thought he was fine there and it was a collective problem). On the puck, he’s a multifaceted playmaker who often looks like the player who was the No. 2 pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection and an OHL First All-Rookie Team member.
He has quick hands (he’s prolific on breakaways/in the shootout), a dangerous curl-and-drag wrister, decent cleverness to his game as a passer (whether through seams or often blind), slick skill in traffic and out wide sliding pucks under sticks and rotating through coverage or past checks for a player his size, and a knack for finessing pucks into spots for himself or his linemates to skate onto. He has also begun to fill out his frame (though his shoulder surgery did hurt a key summer for him post-draft), which has helped turn him into a diligent, relied-upon two-way player off the puck. He’s also strong in the faceoff circle, makes those around him better, and has picked up a bit more of an acceleration gear from a standstill (and his skating was completely fine before that).
He takes smart routes with and without the puck, he has become a reliable three-zone player and the skill is there (he has superb puck control skill). He does a good job finding inside ice in possession (or off it). He’s also a very selfless player for his age who is quick to change in the offensive zone and will sooner make the right play than try to overdo it. I’ve noticed an uptick in his physicality this year as well, both in the OHL and at the World Juniors where he did a good job forechecking and finishing his checks. I’ve liked the progress I’ve seen in how strong he is over pucks and getting up and under sticks to take them back in pursuit or go to the net for tips (which he’s actually quite dexterous on) instead of always trying to free himself for his shot. When he keeps his feet moving, he’s an impressive player. I see clear second-line potential.
www.nytimes.com
