Prior to hitting the links earlier this week, the Minnesota Wild rookies attending their development camp had a chance to speak with the media. Among those chatting it up with the local press was Ryder Ritchie, the team’s 2024 second-round pick (45th overall). Among the topics he covered was his future.
Contrary to reports from earlier this summer, it sounds like the Kelowna resident hasn’t quite committed to Boston University just yet. It definitely sounds like he’s leaning that way, but he still has the opportunity to return to Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League. Last season, they won the WHL title and made it all the way to the Memorial Cup Final before losing to the London Knights.
Last season Ritchie posted 61 points (29 goals, 32 assists) in 53 games. He followed that up with another 9 goals and 9 assists in 18 postseason games. It is likely that Ritchie might be waiting for teammate, and presumed first overall pick in the 2026 draft, Gavin McKenna to decide where he’s playing. McKenna is rumored to be choosing between Michigan State and Penn State. Should he not return to the WHL, Ritchie will probably leave as well as the Tigers will be going through a rebuild. They’ve already lost goaltender Harrison Meneghin, who signed his entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning shortly after the season ended.
Prior to last season, players who had played in the Canadian Hockey League weren’t eligible to play for U.S. college teams. A new agreement between the CHL and NCAA allows kids to join college programs, something that several players are taking advantage of next season.
Ritchie, a right-shot winger, is a skilled skater that has plenty of deceptive offensive moves. Even with Minnesota’s large stockpile of prospects, there is a path to the NHL as a middle-six forward in a few seasons. The prospect of more practice and workout time in college seemingly appeals to Ritchie.
Should he join BU, he’ll be in one of college hockey’s strongest programs as the Terriers finished last season ranked second and post a roster with 12 other NHL prospects committed to the team. A final decision should be coming in the next few days.