LATEST | Former top-ten pick to become UFA: The end of his career at only twenty-eight years old?
A former top-ten pick is looking for a new home after being informed by his European club that they won't be re-signing him for the 2024-25 season.
Nick Ritchie, a former tenth overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2014, is now left searching for a team to play for next season. Ritchie's club, the Iserlohn Roosters of the German DEL, told the 28-year-old he won't be brought back next season.
Ritchie has had a tough season to say the least. He started out on a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the St. Louis Blues, was released by them, heading to Finland for ten games and would ultimately be suspended for eight games due to punching a defenseless opponent. After his suspension was over, he traveled to Germany where he'd sign with the Iserlohn Roosters for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
In ten games for Karpat, Ritchie had five points (one goal, four assists), 70 penalty minutes and was a minus-seven. As for his stint with the Iserlohn Roosters, the Orangeville, Ontario native put up two points (one goal, one assist), eight penalty minutes and was a minus-four.
It's unclear what will come next for Nick Ritchie. He certainly hasn't lived up to expectations as a top-ten pick, but can still be a depth option for some teams that want size in their bottom-six. A return to Europe next season is likely still on the table, although, it's safe to say Ritchie will do whatever it takes to earn another NHL contract.
Do you think Nick Ritchie will return to North America next season? Share your thoughts with us in the poll below!
| POLL | ||
Will Nick Ritchie return to North America? | ||
| Yes | 168 | 27.8 % |
| No | 437 | 72.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
