The New York Islanders were a bit of a wild card as the NHL's Friday trade deadline approached. They didn’t quite take it to the wire, but did make one of the more significant trades expected this deadline.

General manager Lou Lamoriello sent veteran center Brock Nelson and prospect William Dufour to the Colorado Avalanche for top prospect Calum Ritchie, a 2026 or 2027 first-round pick, conditional 2028 third-round pick and defenseman Oliver Kylington. The Islanders then flipped Oliver Kylington to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.

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The Avalanche get more strength down the middle with Nelson, bolstering their status as a Stanley Cup contender and add some help for their AHL affiliate Colorado Eagles with Dufour in the mix.

Meanwhile, the Islanders got a very strong package in the deal that has an eye on the future. Ritchie was Colorado’s best prospect and has shown glimpses of nearing NHL readiness. On top of that, New York got some valuable draft picks to use in future drafts.

This was the kind of move that the Isles had to make when it became more clear that they would not reach a new contract with Nelson, who has spent each of the last 12 seasons with the club. Landing a prospect of Ritchie's caliber is hard to do for a rental.

Lamoriello waited as long as he could for the team to turn the corner, but it didn’t happen. Rather than potentially lose Nelson as a free agent this summer, the team has some future assets to bolster a prospect system that has gained some strength after years of being fairly shallow. All-in-all, this looks like a winning deal for both sides with the Avalanche potentially increasing the value of the deal if they can get Nelson under a reasonable contract beyond this season.

Let’s take a closer look at the prospects moved in this deal.

Who is Calum Ritchie?

Here's what you need to know about new Islanders acquisition Calum Ritchie.

Ritchie was a first-round selection by the Avs in 2023, going 27th overall. In the two years since he was picked, the 20-year-old center has flourished as one of the real stars for the Oshawa Generals. 

He had 80 points in 50 games during the 2023-24 season before leading the Gens on a deep playoff run, posting 30 points in 21 games. This season, Ritchie has appeared in 41 OHL games and has 67 points.

Calum Ritchie's signature shootout move is so filthy 🤩

(🎥: @Oshawa_Generals) pic.twitter.com/JyO2I5lUiC

— NHL (@NHL) November 16, 2024

The Brampton, Ontario native made the Avs roster out of camp, appearing in seven NHL games. He scored his first NHL goal in his third NHL game – oddly enough, against the New York Islanders.

Ritchie was also part of Canada’s World Junior Team this winter, posting two points in five games.

Ritchie is a play-driving, playmaking forward who is more of a pass-first guy. He is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and is a right shot. He has excellent vision and soft hands to execute high-skill plays. On top of that, Ritchie can engage physically and competes well off the puck, though can still build more consistency in that department.

There is an argument that Ritchie is the No. 1 prospect for the Isles now, edging out promising forwards like Cole Eiserman and Danny Nelson, each of whom are currently playing in the NCAA ranks. Of that trio, Ritchie is the closest to being NHL ready, though I'd expect each of them to be NHL regulars in the next few years.

He has a chance to be a top-six forward at the NHL level if he continues to improve his skating and remain a play-driver as he has been in junior hockey. With his size and skill, he projects well to making an impact in the NHL as he reaches his prime years.

My expectation is Ritchie will strongly contend for an everyday roster spot right out of training camp next fall.

Who is William Dufour?

In addition to Nelson, the Avalanche now have William Dufour in their system. He brings size and some scoring pedigree to the Avalanche system, but it has been getting harder to see a path for Dufour to become an NHL regular. 

A former Memorial Cup Champion and MVP, Dufour scored seven goals in the Saint John Sea Dogs’ run to the top prize in Canadian junior hockey after an astonishing 56-goal, 116-point regular season.

As a professional, Dufour has appeared in one NHL game and has seen his numbers go backwards in the AHL with the Bridgeport Islanders. He has 18 points in 45 games this season including eight goals.

William DuFOUR with the FOURTH Isles goal!!!#GoneFishin | @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/6S0dBMCzXP

— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) October 20, 2024

Dufour’s skating has always been among the primary concerns about his ability to be an NHL player and those remain. That said, the Colorado Eagles have been among the top teams in the AHL’s Pacific Division, while Bridgeport sits dead last in the entire league. A change of scenery and a shot with a better team could be beneficial to Dufour who has to be trying to find a way to earn another contract.

Meanwhile, Colorado gives their AHL roster a boost as they get ready for what they certainly will hope is a deep run in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

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