Islanders Face Roster Challenge as Ritchie Injured Before Season Opener
The New York Islanders have received unwelcome news ahead of their season opener. Rookie prospect Cal Ritchie will be sidelined for the next 1-2 weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained during the final preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 5, 2023. This injury significantly impacts the Islanders’ roster decisions just days before the NHL roster deadline on October 9, 2023, and the team’s first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 12, 2023.
Ritchie, who has been making a strong case for a spot in the lineup, will likely not be included on the initial 23-man roster. Throughout training camp, he showcased impressive skills, but the Islanders’ depth at center creates a challenging situation. With established players like Bo Horvat, Mat Barzal, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Casey Cizikas already occupying center positions, Ritchie faced significant obstacles in securing a role. Although he has demonstrated versatility by playing on the wing, Coach Patrick Roy has expressed a preference for utilizing him at center.
Throughout the preseason, Ritchie played predominantly in the center role, with Cizikas occasionally shifted to wing to accommodate him. The potential of placing Ritchie as an extra forward was considered, but it would likely impede his development compared to playing in the AHL for Bridgeport. Given that Ritchie is waivers-exempt, sending him to the AHL carries no risk for the Islanders, allowing him to gain valuable playing time instead of sitting on the bench.
As the Islanders finalize their roster, the possibility of carrying eight defensemen has been floated, particularly with Isaiah George also being waivers exempt. This decision would necessitate waiving either Kyle MacLean or Marc Gatcomb, both of whom are projected to start the season as extra forwards. It seems more beneficial for the team to see George play consistently in the AHL rather than having him inactive at the NHL level.
In addition to Ritchie’s injury, the impending return of Jonathan Drouin, who missed practice due to illness, adds another layer of complexity to the roster situation. The Islanders are set to engage in a team bonding trip in the Hamptons over the weekend, with practices scheduled for Sunday to prepare for their season opener.
Ritchie’s injury has simplified one of the most challenging decisions for General Manager Mathieu Darche, although the situation remains fluid. If Ritchie’s recovery timeline holds true, he is likely to be the first forward called up from Bridgeport when needed. His previous experience in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche—albeit limited to seven games last season—positions him as a promising prospect for the Islanders as they navigate the early stages of the season.
