Ritchie appears to have earned a top-line role heading into 2021-22. He skated on line one at practice Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ritchie has strong connections with coach Sheldon Keefe dating back to his junior days in the Soo. But he has never been a top-line winger in the NHL, let alone a top-six forward. Ritchie has never scored 20 goals or topped 40 points. But this is a plum chance to do both. Ritchie, who is 6-3 and 236 lbs, doesn't always use his size. But playing with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner means there will be juicy rebounds and tasty feeds, and open ice with opponents keying on Ritchie's linemates. He's worth snagging, but be ready to drop him if the pride of Orangeville, Ontario shows nothing more than what history might predict.