Toronto Maple Leafs sign Nick Ritchie to 2-year contract

Igor Burdetskiy July 31, 2021

1 1 minute read

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed power forward Nick Ritchie.

Ritchie, 25, is coming off a reasonably successful season with the Boston Bruins, where he put up 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points in 56 games. Despite this, the Bruins ultimately decided that his qualifying offer was too rich for their liking, and he was allowed to walk as a free agent.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1421450075222466563

If Ritchie’s name sounds familiar, it’s because some old-school fans wanted the Leafs to draft him in 2014. The Leafs instead took William Nylander eighth overall, while the Anaheim Ducks took Ritchie tenth. The Leafs unequivocally made the right choice there, but Ritchie has still developed into a useful player, who can chip in some goal-scoring.

A natural LW, Ritchie should compete for a role with either Auston Matthews or John Tavares and could take advantage of rebounds and tips. Failing that, he might offer some offence in a fairly defensive-oriented bottom six.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!