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.

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