If deployed properly in the second half, Nick Ritchie could be a monster for the Leafs
A few weeks ago, when I wrote about how the Leafs were replacing Zach Hyman's production; I mentioned 3 names: Michael Bunting, Ondrej Kase, and David Kampf. One name I left out was, Nick Ritchie.
Ritchie has the build and play-style that many Leafs fans love. He plays a physical game and is a good net front presence. You can tell that he is 6'3 and 236 pounds when on the ice, and he always has players looking over their shoulder.
Ritchie broke out offensively last year in Boston, scoring 15 goals in 56 games. Unfortunately, he has not found the same success with the Leafs, even after starting the year in the top-6 and seeing significant time alongside Auston Matthews.
Although he has not been great to start his Leafs tenure he has improved and can continue to improve in 2022, but the Leafs will need to adjust his deployment.
KEEP HIM IN THE BOTTOM SIX:
Nick Ritchie looked out of place playing in the Leafs' top-6. Since he moved down to the bottom-6 he has looked much better. He and Wayne Simmonds have given the 4th line an identity with their physicality. Their presence in the lineup sends a clear message to the opposition. "We won't be pushed around".
Ritchie has also spent time on the 3rd line with David Kampf and Ondrej Kase. The two Czechs' defensive abilities mask Ritchie's lack thereof, and the chemistry that Ritchie and Kase had in both Boston and Anahiem has carried over to Toronto.
PARK HIM IN FRONT OF THE NET:
When the Leafs signed Nick Ritchie I felt like that he was brought in for playoff hockey, much like Nick Foligno in 2021, only without the untimely injury. Barring a disaster the Leafs will get two playoff runs out of him. Ritchie's size and physicality will be an asset to the Leafs in the playoffs. Especially since the refs tend to put their whistle away come playoff time.
Ritchie is also a good net front guy. He does not have the ability to tip pucks like John Tavares for example but he is great at taking the eyes away from the goalie. Like I said, Ritchie is 6'3 and he uses that to an advantage in front of the net. If he can win battles and take the goalie's eyes away, the team will score more playoff style goals come April.
He may not have had the best start to his Leafs career but he did finally find his way on the scoresheet, netting his first goal of the season before the pause. Hopefully that gets his confidence up, as he has been improving since the beginning of November.
If Ritchie stays in the bottom-6 and plays playoff hockey in April. I see him as a valuable piece for the Leafs down the stretch.
