Former Maple Leaf NHL Career Likely Done

PUBLICATION

Dawson Mckenzie
September 29, 2023 (4:42 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

In breaking news, this former top 10 NHL draft pick was released from his NHL training camp today.

Former Maple Leaf Nick Ritchie Released from St. Louis Today

As reported by Andy Strickland, the St. Louis Blues have released former Toronto Maple Leaf and top-10 overall draft pick Nick Ritchie from their training camp today. Ritchie was with the Blues on a PTO this year.

Blues release Nick Ritchie from PTO #stlblues

Ritchie has struggled to play a full season of NHL hockey, especially in the last few years. Last year with the Calgary Flames, he made only 16 appearances. The release today from the Blues likely signals he will struggle to find another NHL roster in the future.

Ritchie Was a Former Leaf for Just 1 Year

Ritchie signed with the Leafs for the 2021-22 season and didn't even make it the entire year with the club after being traded to the Arizona Coyotes in February of 2023.

While Ritchie started out in the top-6 for the Leafs, he quickly dropped to the fourth line, and put up only 2 goals and 7 assists in 33 games with the Blue and White.

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 29 \| 433 ANSWERS Former Maple Leaf NHL Career Likely Done Do you think Ritchie will play in the NHL again?
Yes	120	27.7 %
No	313	72.3 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Jan 16, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (89) pursues the play against the New Jersey Devils in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Nick Robertson's Trade Value Revealed As Deadline Nears, per Insider

Feb 4, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

10 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

John Tavares Reveals Surprising Reason Why He Missed the Golden Goal vs. Team USA

Mar 2, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok (19) pursues the play against the New York Rangers in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

11 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Calle Jarnkrok's Injury Fate Officially Revealed by the Maple Leafs

Nov 16, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa (28) pursues the play against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

More Bad News Emerges for Maple Leafs Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

The Worst is Confirmed for Matthew Tkachuk as Brady Tkachuk Drops Devastating News

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

15 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Mitch Marner Finally Breaks Silence on Facing Auston Matthews in Four Nations Final Showdown

Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Sportsnet host David Amber (left) and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman (right) prior to the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

17 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Elliotte Friedman Once Again Links the Toronto Maple Leafs to 50-Goal Scorer

Feb 20, 2025: Canadian signer Chantal Kreviazuk sings the National Anthem during the 4 Nations Face-Off Finals between the United States and Canada. Mandatory Credit: Twitter/X

18 hours ago | By Chris Gerics