Sending Cal Ritchie Back To Junior The Right Call

He wasn't ready

I thought the Avs might give him two more games, or at least one more on the finale of a road trip tonight. But no, Cal Ritchie was sent back to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL today, after seven games. If he had played 10 games, the Avs would have had to keep him the rest of the regular season at a cap-counting salary.

It’s the right decision. At 19, he’s still not ready. And, with what we’d hope is the return of four missing top-six forwards before too, too long, there wouldn’t have been any room for Ritchie up there. Playing him on a fourth line just wouldn’t be good for him or the team.