The New York Islanders have sent forward prospect Calum Ritchie to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League.
The 20-year-old was rather impressive during training camp and the preseason, but due to a lack of an opening in the top nine, especially at the center position, it was unlikely that he'd make the team.
Calum Ritchie Continues Making Waves In Bid for Islanders Roster SpotNEW YORK, NY -- The chances of New York Islanders prospect Calum Ritchie making the team out of training camp are slim -- it's not zero.
Because Ritchie sustained a minor lower-body injury in the Islanders' preseason finale against the Philadelphia Flyers, he began the season on Season-Opening Injured Reserve.
The belief was that when he was healthy, if the Islanders were healthy, he'd be heading back to Bridgeport, where he could play big minutes for head coach Rocky Thompson and a new and improved AHL squad.
Quick explanation as to why I said there’s no opening:
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) October 12, 2025
1. Playing him on fourth line stifles his offensive instincts
2. Don’t think he’s ready to be a top-six forward
3. Isles liking what they see from Barzal back at C
4. Could play wing but they want him developing as a C
5.… https://t.co/R7gWPjVdOw
Ritchie had practiced the last two days, so it was only a matter of time before he was optioned to the AHL.
Last season, after making the Colorado Avalanche out of training camp, Ritchie played seven NHL games -- all on wing -- scoring one goal, which happened to come against Ilya Sorokin.
The Avalanche returned him to the OHL's Oshawa Generals for the remainder of the season, as he was not eligible due to his age to play in the AHL.
He'll likely get his first taste of that league, when Bridgeport on Friday, Oct. 2 host the Providence Bruins at 7 PM ET.
Bridgeport is coming off a 6-2 win over the Belleville Senators and is 1-0-1-0 on the young season.
Defenseman Marshall Warren is tied atop the AHL leaderboards with four points (two goals, two assists).
One @AHLIslanders prospect that has been super impressive since development camp has been Marshall Warren📈.
— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) October 12, 2025
Today, the defenseman scored two goals🚨, helping Bridgeport to a 1-0-1 start, rebounding from last season’s campaign. pic.twitter.com/vdFoyFUxge
Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.