He would never be able to keep up with Matthews and Marner, and those guys are not exactly McDavid. That's just how bad of a skater he is. He will also take 4 penalties a game. If you sign Ritchie it's for way less money and to play in your bottom six.

He doesn't need to keep up with them. Thornton proved that. He needs to dig in the corners and drop the gloves once in a while when someone looks at Matthews wrong.

I agree. Dubas said he wants to add a different element and there it is. He’s quicker than Thornton. If it doesn’t work move him.


Also I like this team. I’d like to try and get suter as well. But this is realistic.

Thornton really did not prove that. He looked serviceable next to those guys for like 10 games. And that's one of the best passers in the history of the league adapting for a limited time because of elite-level hockey sense. Besides the skating, Ritchie's big issue is his lack of hockey sense. You even talk to people who watched him all year in Boston, and they will tell you even getting on the forecheck in the corners was hard for him because of the foot speed. He's also awful defensively, which is important factor for that line since they play a ton. Again, I think he would work well down in the lineup in a grinding roll. He is good around the net.

Exactly. Matthews and Marner don't need help creating offence.

I think Suter would be another awesome pickup. He'd come reasonably priced and help up and down the lineup where needed.

You're totally missing the point. It has nothing to do with what Thornton did or didn't do. Matthews and Marner produced at a record pace regardless. They don't need another little skilled guy. The need a big body to ride shotgun.

Yeah this team seems realistic. I do think having 22-23 man roster is what has to happen tho. Always need those extra players because of sickness and short term injuries.

Ritchie is in far better condition than Thornton.



Thornton “was” the best passer in the league. I would give Ritchie a shot in the top 6. The defensive game would be my concern.

Not even that. If we get a vet Dman, he and Anderson would need waivers. Lily should be rotating in as well. That makes 3.