Confirmed with Link: [COL/NYI] Brock Nelson, William Dufour for Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, 1st-round pick, cond. 2028 3rd-round pick

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So happy to be wrong, Lou did right by the franchise. Nelson will be dearly missed but I’m happy he gets to go out on top as an Islander.

The return is exceptional. Ritchie is a legit blue chipper, 26 and 27 are strong drafts so glad to add a 1st there as opposed to this year, and Kylington is a solid player. Love everything about this.

Edit: as I write this Kylington has been traded to ANA for future considerations. So much for that, lol. Thought he could’ve been a decent piece.
 
How are we feeling about the return?
Happy ... #1 and their top prospect in Ritchie.. but curious to hear what others say. (Know it is really unlikely but imagine if we signed Brock back for team friendly).

Assume this means that there will be more to come. Palmieri next? Pageau? And do we have 10 D now?
 
Love it honestly. Ritchie is a legit C prospect. Good OHL numbers, potential to be a big boy. 6'3 190 right now. 1 goal in 7 NHL games (ironically against the NYI, because of course).

The first in pretty good draft classes coming up is a much needed asset, and the conditional 3rd is a nice added bonus and something to root for. In addition to Brock winning the Cup.

Unlikely the Isles make the playoffs now with both Barzal and Nelson out. Unless they somehow go on a miraculous run, Go Avs and Go Brock Go.

Good luck to you 29, go win a Cup, and thanks for the memories.
 

1. Calum Ritchie, C, 19 (Oshawa Generals)

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.
 
Happy Lou did the right thing. Decent return. Don't know a ton about Ritchie but sounds like a middle six C if he makes it. Nice to get a few picks as well. Gives us another shot at some decent talent hopefully in the long run. Palmieri and JGP need to be next.
 
Ritchie's our best prospect, was a 1st round pick a couple of years ago. We were admittedly a bit over the top with him last year since he looked absolutely fantastic. We were definitely pegging him as clear #2 centre possibility. Can't teach his size; lots of potential; great playmaker, had some question marks with his shot and physicality.

Also, admittedly, had a disappointing WJC for Team Canada this season and hasn't really taken the next step forward this year.
 
In Anaheim. :laugh:


That was fast lol. I still think we could have gotten at least another B piece but I’m not mad. I think Lou values relationships and he has a good relationship with Sakic.

Why the 2025 1st? 26 and 27 drafts are widely considered to be better.
If it’s not protected I’ll be ok but the further out the draft pick the more time Lou has to trade it lol
 
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i like that its a choice between 2026 and 2027 1st. hope they have a down year in one of the next two years after they win the cup this year! we need to draft and develop as much as possible in the next few years. need to clean house though.
 
Conditions kinda suck for us. I’m glad the trade was made though.

Ritchie has a chance to be a real good #2 center. Playmaking right handed version of Brock actually. He’s a smart 2way player with good size. Not a big goal scorer but a terrific playmaker. Should be in Bridgport to start the year next season.
 
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Considering Colorado's 1st round pick in 2025 isn't in the top 10, the Flyers will get it as a part of the Walker trade. That means the only way the Isles don't get the Avs 2026 pick is if it's in the top 10, which is doubtful.

2027 is too far out right now, but 2026 is looking much, much deeper than 2025 so this is great news.
 

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