Player Discussion Nick Ritchie Appreciation Thread

[Quackery]

No idea why there's even conversation about all this when Max Jones is at least 1 year from sniffing an NHL game, better yet he hasn't even done anything in the minors.

 

[Crosbysux]

No idea why there's even conversation about all this when Max Jones is at least 1 year from sniffing an NHL game, better yet he hasn't even done anything in the minors.

I agree somewhat. He looked decent in the minors and jumping in during the playoffs isn't an easy thing to accomplish. DSP never accomplished anything in the minors and played really well his rookie year. He never took care of himself physically, which limited his growth, but a player doesn't have to prove anything to make the roster. He is more physically ready than Steel to push for a roster spot, since he'd go back to juniors and doesn't have much room for improvement since he's physically stronger than most guys. It's a case where he'd be better served in the AHL than OHL, but might have a stagnant year and play lower line minutes as it'd be better for him than the OHL. Steel can still grow physically, which the OHL will be fine for his development as he doesn't rely on size to dominate games. Steel might be ready for a spot next year, but might be held back due to his size, which Jones won't have an issue with. I do see Jones competing for a spot next year though, but no way do I see him taking Ritchie's.

 

[duckpuck]

A lot of the penalties Ritchie gets called for are calls that would not be made on older guys (like Lucic). Those types of calls should be reduced (not eliminated) as he gets more experience in the league.

I think the ducks really value what he brings to the game - I think he's around here for a long time.

 

[Quack Shot]

A lot of the penalties Ritchie gets called for are calls that would not be made on older guys (like Lucic). Those types of calls should be reduced (not eliminated) as he gets more experience in the league.

I think the ducks really value what he brings to the game - I think he's around here for a long time.

I disagree, the calls he gets called for are easy calls that have the ref saying, "really?"

 

[bsu]

What are you guys thoughts on this guy?

 

[DavidBL]

What are you guys thoughts on this guy?

That we should move him while he still has value if he helps us get a forward upgrade.

 

[Exit Dose]

We should hold onto him and not make absurdly rash decisions about a player in the middle of his development.

 

[pbgoalie]

Id say unreign him, and let him be psychotically crazy again.

 

[DavidBL]

We should hold onto him and not make absurdly rash decisions about a player in the middle of his development.

Whst about his games makes you think he will be successful in the NHL? Legit question. Ive been underwhelmed so far.

 

[gilfaizon]

14 goals in his first full season, being bounced around the lineup. I dont have a huge issue with what he brings at all.

 

[Ducks in a row]

What are you guys thoughts on this guy?

Good size and has potential to be a good power forward. He still need more time before being a legit top 6 forward assuming he ever does. Some other forwards taken later in his draft I wish we took instead.

 

[Exit Dose]

Whst about his games makes you think he will be successful in the NHL? Legit question. Ive been underwhelmed so far.

Good shot, size, greedy, and a decent skater. He also has good instincts for scoring opportunities.

 

[Paul4587]

I think he could develop into a Raffi Torres type without all the dumb hits resulting in suspensions (although he may develop into a complete dumbass when it comes to hitting, it's too early to say). Both good skaters, are capable of hitting like a train (although with Ritchie those hits are few and far between ATM) and both have good shots. Ritchie may have slightly higher offensive upside yet - I think he's got better vision and passing ability.

 

[AngelDuck]

He's 21. Power forwards don't hit their primes until 25-28. He's no where near that point.

It'd be nice if he progressed a little more than he has so far but it's not like he's out of place out there

 

[Kalv]

Yes because they are busy hitting their opponents instead of their prime...
It sounded better in my head.

But yeah, Ritchie certainly should play now when we have our leaders injured, but there were some times I wished Ritchie would be sent to develop his all around game more in SD

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

Id say unreign him, and let him be psychotically crazy again.

Who says he's being reigned?

 

[DavidBL]

Good shot, size, greedy, and a decent skater. He also has good instincts for scoring opportunities.

I agree on his physical attributes but I just dont see the instincts. I dont see him getting to soft areas where he can use his shot. I dobt see him using his size to make space. Nor do I see him making nice plays with or away from the puck. Maybe I'm being overly critical but i just haven't seen any progression. I suppose its not really fair given the state of our roster.

 

[Terry Yake]

he hasn't developed as quick as we'd like but moving him now wouldn't be smart

 

[Ducks DVM]

I agree on his physical attributes but I just dont see the instincts. I dont see him getting to soft areas where he can use his shot. I dobt see him using his size to make space. Nor do I see him making nice plays with or away from the puck. Maybe I'm being overly critical but i just haven't seen any progression. I suppose its not really fair given the state of our roster.

Those things are all are how he scored 15 last year, and is exactly how he played in the AHL. Look at the players he's been out with this year, it's not like there's been much reason for him to go to those locations, he didn't forget how to play. By the same token, I've been the biggest critic of his play since during preseason, and feel like he needs a trip to San Diego to refocus. I do think he's also playing injured though, he's been playing significantly softer and significantly slower than he was in the preseason games.

 

[Dirk316]

He will score 20+ goals this year

 

[Ducks in a row]

He will score 20+ goals this year

I don't see it especially with the injuries both him and the rest of the team has been having.

 

[Ducks DVM]

I don't see it especially with the injuries both him and the rest of the team has been having.

76 more games this season. He had 14 in 77 last year. 20 isn't out of the question if he gets his head out of his ass, and we assume that the rest of the team eventually gets healthy.

 

[Trojans86]

He's 21. Power forwards don't hit their primes until 25-28. He's no where near that point.

It'd be nice if he progressed a little more than he has so far but it's not like he's out of place out there

This is the one thing I'm hoping for but right now he is so slow and not good at winning puck battles that he really hurts whatever line he is on. People give him credit because he can score goals but there are huge holes in his game. Reminds me last year when I was getting crap for everyone because I said I thought kase was better than Ritchie because he was winning puck battles and creating scoring chances but had bad puck luck and just isn't ad good of a finisher as Ritchie. Well now more of those goals are going in for kase while Ritchie doesn't seem to have progressed at all. His goals create an illusion that he is creating scoring chances but the reality is he is just good at finishing. Hopefully Ritchie improves his quickness and playmaking ability and can develop into an effective top 6 winger.

 

[Dryish]

Can we still edit polls into threads? I'd be interested in seeing how many of us think he will ever be a 20+ goal scorer in the league, because honestly I would not put money on that. Largely agree with Trojans above, Ritchie has size but he's not good at using it to create and capitalise on the NHL level, and only time will tell if he ever will.

 

[Kalv]

This is the one thing I'm hoping for but right now he is so slow and not good at winning puck battles that he really hurts whatever line he is on. People give him credit because he can score goals but there are huge holes in his game. Reminds me last year when I was getting crap for everyone because I said I thought kase was better than Ritchie because he was winning puck battles and creating scoring chances but had bad puck luck and just isn't ad good of a finisher as Ritchie. Well now more of those goals are going in for kase while Ritchie doesn't seem to have progressed at all. His goals create an illusion that he is creating scoring chances but the reality is he is just good at finishing. Hopefully Ritchie improves his quickness and playmaking ability and can develop into an effective top 6 winger.

Yes he is a complementary player, who will succeed if put in the right situation, like Beleskey. That is why I also wanted to see him in SD more to improve the overall game.
I think Detroit is good of not rushing the forwards into the NHL and I think they are doing great with what they have. Of course you can`t groom them infinitely until Ritchie reaches McDavid level. But just some basics, of how to play in different situations would help for Ritchie.
I remember some of our fans compared him to Benn-lite, lol
Not calling him a bust but there were some better players in that draft.
I think he will definitely reach 20 goals sometime, but how often I`m not sure.