St. Louis Blues Sign Nick Ritchie To PTO

The St. Louis Blues have added their first player on a PTO this season, Nick Ritchie. With a fair amount of options already in the system and on the team, there wasn't a huge concern in adding a lot of players to professional tryouts.

Ritchie played last season for the Arizona Coyotes and Calgary Flames. This former 10th overall pick has played for five different NHL teams and is trying to make it six by earning a contract with the Blues. He recorded 13 goals and 26 points in 74 games split between the two teams last season, so he is capable of contributing in the bottom of the lineup.

The Blues have made some significant changes to their lineup over the past year and new faces are trying to solidify their spots on the team. Ritchie will at least have a chance to earn a spot on the Blues as the projected fourth line players are either inexperienced or weaker. He adds a ton of physicality, something head coach Craig Berube will likely want to utilize in his lineup this season. Ritchie is too good to be playing in the AHL, so I think he's going to earn himself a contract in St. Louis and make the team as a fourth liner/extra this season.

Photo credit: © Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports