Video: Maple Leafs' Nick Ritchie Scores

On Thursday afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs placed Nick Ritchie on waivers. Then, on Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche, the 26-year-old winger found himself back in the lineup and scored.

This goal is certainly an important one for Ritchie, as there's no question he's been struggling this season - hence why he was placed on waivers in the first place. In 31 games, he now has two goals, seven assists, and a minus-5 rating. After scoring, perhaps this could be the spark that the power forward needs to rebound.

Ritchie needs to play well from here while he has the chance to. Because he was placed on waivers, he now can be sent down to the Toronto Marlies without having to go through the same process. With that, once players like Mitch Marner, Pierre Engvall, and Ondrej Kase can return to the lineup, he's the odd man out right now. 

Although Ritchie gave the Leafs a 4-1 lead, the Avalanche ended up tying the game in regulation. Then, in overtime, Devon Toews would score the winner to cement their comeback win. With this loss, the Leafs are now 22-8-3, while the Avalanche have improved to 21-8-2. 

Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports