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Looking to make the leap: Nick Ritchie

Nick Ritchie

Nick Ritchie

Rick Madonik

With their focus on competing for the Stanley Cup in 2015-16, the Anaheim Ducks haven’t left many openings for prospects to claim in training camp. Still, Nick Ritchie is someone worth keeping an eye on in September.

Taken with the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, he’s arguably the team’s top forward prospect. Even when he was drafted he had the size to play in the NHL at 6-foot-3, 236 pounds, but he’s got more than just an imposing frame. Ritchie can play a skilled game too and is coming off of a campaign where he scored 29 goals and 62 points in 48 OHL contests. He added another 13 goals and 26 points in 14 playoff games with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Going into training camp, he’ll likely be competing primarily with Jiri Sekac, Nicolas Kerdiles, and Stefan Noesen for a roster spot. All three of them have more experience than Ritchie, but arguably don’t match him in raw potential.

Ducks GM Bob Murray made it clear back in June that he wouldn’t rush Ritchie, per the Orange County Register, but he didn’t dismiss the possibility of him making the team anyways. Ultimately it will be a tough task for him to stick with the Ducks at the age of 19, but he might end up being a noteworthy complimentary player this season and much more than that down the road.

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