Andrew Gross: Islanders' Cal Ritchie is that other rookie who is developing nicely
Islanders' Calum Ritchie celebrates his second-period goal against the Utah Mammoth at UBS Arena on Jan. 1, 2026. Credit: Jim McIsaac
TORONTO — The media crowded around the rookie’s stall in the Islanders’ dressing room, asking the local product about his first game as an NHL player at Scotiabank Arena after attending Maple Leafs’ games growing up and how many friends and family he expected in the building on Tuesday night.
No, this was not Matthew Schaefer, though a larger media scrum had already spoken with the presumptive Calder Trophy winner for six minutes about his much-hyped Toronto homecoming.
The other rookie is Cal Ritchie. And as the Islanders opened a three-game Canadian swing against the Maple Leafs, this morning skate scene provided a good reminder that one of the best things that’s happened during this feel-good Islanders’ season is that two rookies have developed into full-time NHLers.
So much of the Islanders’ success on and off the ice can be attributed to Schaefer, the 18-year-old defenseman who has managed to exceed the massive expectations first placed on the No. 1 overall pick. But Ritchie’s importance to the team’s future prosperity as a top-nine center or wing should not — and cannot — be overlooked.
“Yeah, it’s massive,” current linemate Jean-Gabriel Pageau told Newsday. “It’s huge for the organization and for the future. They’re a big part. We all know Schaef, how big of an impact that is. But Rich comes in, just kind of under the shadow a little bit, maybe a little bit less pressure.
“But the thing that he has done for this team is huge. I think he’s adjusting very well.”
The youth movement that first-year general manager Mathieu Darche knew must happen received another boost on Tuesday when, as expected, physical defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, the 17th overall pick in June and third first-rounder along with Schaefer and forward Victor Eklund, signed a three-year, entry-level contract.
Aitcheson, 19, still has games to play with his junior team, Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League, before a decision will be made whether he joins the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport at the end of this season or for next season.
Schaefer’s credentials are well known as a top-pair defenseman and power-play quarterback with elite skating and playmaking skills plus an outgoing, mature but fun personality that has transformed the whole organization. The product of Hamilton, Ontario — about an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto — estimated on Monday he would have “1,000” family and friends at Scotiabank Arena. He somewhat sheepishly acknowledged on Tuesday, “I could be pushing it a little bit.”
Ritchie, 21, grew up in Oakville, Ontario, a 30-minute drive to Toronto on a good day and frequently attended Maple Leafs' games. While Schaefer could not accurately recall whether he had skated at the Maple Leafs’ rink before, Ritchie said not only had he done that, he had also played box lacrosse in the building.
He, of course, is a different type of person and player than the electric Schaefer. He is not as talkative, though no less friendly. And while a good skater, Ritchie’s game is more predicated on his passing skills and ability to work around the net. Both Pageau and coach Patrick Roy noted on Tuesday how his physical game has improved.
The Avalanche selected him 27th overall in 2023 and Ritchie recently marked his one-year anniversary with the Islanders, who acquired him as part of the deal that sent Brock Nelson to Colorado on March 6, 2025. At times, Ritchie has taken Nelson’s spot centering the second line. But since Brayden Schenn was acquired from the Blues 12 days ago and installed as the second-line pivot, Ritchie has slid to wing.
He entered Tuesday with eight goals and 11 assists in 50 games and he still must score more consistently. That developed slowly with Nelson, too, and Ritchie is playing a more assertive game than earlier in the season.
“Just the confidence side of things,” Ritchie told Newsday after the media scrum at his stall broke up. “Holding onto pucks. That’s something I want to continue to build on. As you develop and grow in the league, you start to get the puck more. You’re demanding it more. That’s something I’ve been working on throughout the year, having that confidence to call for pucks. It’s obviously a work in progress.”
Earlier in the scrum, Ritchie joked he would be “playing for free” on Tuesday because of all the tickets he had to buy.
“It’s pretty expensive,” Ritchie said with a slight smile before he was asked to compare his friends-and-family contingent to Schaefer’s and whether he felt his teammate’s homecoming overshadowed his.
“Schaefer’s thousand people coming?” Ritche said with a laugh. “I’m just glad to have all my family here, my friends. I was at dinner with my parents yesterday and my sister and we were just talking about how crazy it is that I’m playing in this building and the NHL.”
The fact that he is carries great importance for the Islanders, who must be more than just the Matthew Schaefer Show.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
