The NHL trade deadline has finally arrived, and several dominos have already fallen.
One fell last night (March 6, 2025) near the stroke of midnight, as the Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders completed a trade.
The Islanders received Oakville's own Calum Ritchie, along with a 2026 conditional first-round pick, a 2028 conditional third-round pick and defenceman Oliver Kylington.
Heading to Colorado is veteran centre Brock Nelson along with prospect William Dafour.
The New York Islanders have acquired forward Calum Ritchie, a first-round selection in the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft, a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, and defenseman Oliver Kylington from the Colorado Avalanche, in exchange for Brock Nelson and William Dufour.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 7, 2025
On paper, the trade looks to be a win-win for both teams. The Avalanche have needed a second line centre for years and finally got that with Brock Nelson and the Islanders have needed prospects and draft picks which they now have after this trade.
The big piece coming back for the Islanders is Calum Ritchie. A dynamic two-way centre that has dominated the OHL for the past two years and has been one of the Oshawa Generals biggest leaders.
Ritchie took a huge step forward last season after coming back from a shoulder injury that required surgery.
He scored 28 goals and 52 assists for 80 points in 50 regular-season games and added 30 points in 21 games in the playoffs helping Oshawa reach the OHL finals.
This season, Ritchie began the season with Colorado and even scored his first NHL goal with the club. He was eventually sent back down to Oshawa and took a slight step back with them this season scoring 67 points in 41 games.
With this trade, Ritchie could get a better opportunity.
The Islanders are in the middle of a re-tool and could use young players in the very near future.
With Brock Nelson's spot now vacant, Ritchie has the chance to fill his that void come next season if he can impress the coaching staff and take that position from everyone else.
Ritchie also won't be the only player from Oakville on the Islanders as defenceman Isaiah George has been a part of the Islanders organization since 2022 and has played 33 games with the club this season.
This trade is a new beginning for Ritchie and could be incredible for his career as he could have a permanent spot in the NHL by next season.