Dallas Stars Report Cards: Brett Ritchie

The Dallas Stars had a wonderful 2015-2016 season, we know that. But how did each player specifically perform? Blackout Dallas will dive into this question over the next few weeks by writing up a report card for each player.

The Dallas Stars once again showed a tremendous balance of youth and veteran players on the offensive side on the puck this season. As a result, they boasted the best offense in the NHL and made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Though not an influential role in the journey, Stars forward Brett Ritchie helped out in the limited number of games he performed in. He is one of the promising forwards of the future for Dallas.

Growing on the farm

Brett Ritchie was drafted 44th overall in the second round of the 2011 NHL entry draft by the Dallas Stars. After being drafted, he played two more seasons in the OHL with the Niagara IceDogs before being called up to the AHL, where he made an immediate impact.

Ritchie was called up for his NHL debut on December 31, 2014, where he scored his first NHL goal on his first NHL shot. Since then, he has been an on-and-off presence for the Dallas Stars.

Regular season recap

Ritchie did not get many starts with the Dallas Stars, and primarily only filled in when the injuries started piling up. But he did his fair share to aid the team, and that’s what mattered. Last season, he scored six goals and posted nine points in 31 games, along with an outstanding 89 hits.

This year, Ritchie only got eight games in during the season and tallied one assist and a -3 on-ice rating in 11:36 average on the ice. He did post 30 hits in those eight games though. Ritchie is a big-bodied forward (6-3, 220 lb.) that uses his size to his advantage.

Playoff recap

Not much to say here for the 22-year old. He only played in two games and posted a -2 on-ice rating in 6:46 average on the ice. Both games were in the St. Louis series, and Lindy Ruff attributed Ritchie starting simply to adding size to the lineup against a particularly large Blues team.

Contract situation

Brett Ritchie’s three-year, two-way entry level deal expires this year and he will become an RFA. His cap hit this past season was a mere $894,617, meaning the Dallas Stars should have no problems in roping him back in.

The opinion section

It’s pretty obvious that the Dallas Stars made an outstanding move for their future when they drafted Ritchie. While he is still working his way to being a regular at the NHL level, he is very close. His size make him of excellent value to a primarily small Stars’ lineup, both on offense and defense.

More stars: Stars' Report Cards

Ritchie needs a new deal, especially at the age of 22. He could definitely be an NHL-level player next year and stay at the top for good. RFA’s are typically easier to deal with than UFA’s, so the Stars have plenty of leverage to use in negotiations.

Bottom line

The Dallas Stars picked up a rare type of player in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft: a forward who can score and play physical defense. Ritchie is proving himself in each passing season and is on the brink of full-time NHL competition.

Next: Examining The Stars' Extensive Free Agent List

As an RFA, the Stars can either extend him a qualifying offer or just outrightly sign him to a new deal. Either way, expect him to be in a victory green jersey come next season.