The Anaheim Ducks announced this morning that they have recalled top forward prospect Nick Ritchie and center Michael Sgarbossa from AHL San Diego.
The move also sends down froward Max Friberg and defensemen Korbinian Holzer.
After going on a four game win streak, the Ducks have slowed down a bit, losing to Arizona and Edmonton in overtime before falling to the New York Islanders 4-1 on home ice last night.
The Ducks now set off on a four game eastern conference road trip and general manager Bob Murray has decided to send some added offense on the trip.
Nick Ritchie has absolutely torn up the AHL thus far. The 10th overall pick at the 2014 draft has 9 goals and 12 points through 12 games to start off his pro rookie season.
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The knock on Ritchie as a prospect has been consistency and maturity stemming from his days in juniors. Scouts had said that “the serious button needed to go off” meaning that once Ritchie applied himself fully, his potential would go through the roof.
Well, that “serious button” has gone off and Ritchie’s offensive performance early this season with the Gulls has forced the hand of the Ducks. Ritchie’s talent is undeniable and this call up is well deserved.
One thing to keep an eye on here is Ritchie’s slide eligibility. This means that if Ritchie does not play more than 10 NHL games this season his contract will slide one year due to him being 19 years of age before this season began. So, more than 10 NHL games played this season would eliminate his slide eligibility.
Michael Sgarbossa was acquired at last seasons trade deadline from Colorado in an effort to replace former Ducks center prospect William Karlsson, who was sent to Columbus as part of the James Wisniewski trade.
Sgarbossa has 2 goals and 8 points in 12 games. He also has 9 games of NHL experience with the Avalanche to go along with the 20 games he played last season for the Ducks former AHL affiliate, Norfolk Admirals.
The Ducks have also now placed center Chris Wagner on waivers.
Ritchie and Sgarbossa will likely see action on the upcoming road trip in an effort to help the Ducks offense get back on track. Both were on the ice for Ducks practice this morning.
Welcome to the NHL Nick Ritchie.