Major development regarding a former Maple Leaf, who signed a new contract on Monday
Oh how the mighty have fallen. While Nick Ritchie was never a bona fide star in the NHL, he appeared to be a useful player for a number of seasons, once even posting 15 goals while a member of the Boston Bruins organization. This breakout season ultimately led to the Orangeville, Ontario native signing a 2-year deal with the Maple Leafs in 2021.
Unfortunately for Ritchie, it never worked out with his hometown team, and Ritchie was traded to the Arizona Coyotes after just 33 games as a Leaf after posting just 2 goals and 9 points in Toronto. He went on score 10 goals and 14 points in 20 games to close out the 2021-22 season in Arizona. After splitting time between Arizona and Calgary the following season, Ritchie was unable to find a job in the NHL last summer and, thus, inked a deal in Europe, playing for Karpat of the Finnish SM-liiga.
After being suspended for 8 games in Finland for repeatedly punching a downed opponent back in December, Karpat has bought out Ritchie's deal, making him a UFA. It didn't take him long to find a new home, as it has been announced on Monday that Ritchie will head to Germany and play for the Iserlohn Roosters of the DEL for the duration of this season.
Ritchie had posted just 1 goal and 5 points for Karpat this season, suiting up in only 10 games for the Finnish club. If the former 10th overall pick in 2014 wanted to have any hope of securing an NHL contract this summer, he would have needed a strong year in Europe this season. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened and his future in North America remains cloudy at best.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 29 | 368 ANSWERS Major development regarding a former Maple Leaf, who signed a new contract on Monday Will Nick Ritchie ever play another NHL game? | ||
| No | 264 | 71.7 % |
| Yes | 104 | 28.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
