Two Islanders forwards exit Toronto win with lower-body issues
Calum Ritchie and Matias Maccelli both left New York's 4-1 win in Toronto on Saturday with lower-body injuries, and the Islanders ruled them out for the rest of the game. Ritchie was hurt in the first period after taking a hit along the boards, while Maccelli fell in the second when a Toronto defender's stick caught his skate. New York returns home to face Anaheim on Tuesday.
Ritchie, a 21-year-old center from Oakville, Ontario, was hurt in the opening period after Toronto defenseman Nick Blankenburg checked him into the boards, with the impact appearing to affect his left leg. New York acquired him from Colorado in March 2025 as part of the Brock Nelson trade package.
Maccelli, a 26-year-old Finnish winger, went down in the second period when Toronto's Darren Raddysh tried a poke check and caught his left skate. The Islanders signed him as a free agent last offseason to a one-year, $2.25 million contract after he spent the previous season with Toronto.
The injuries could affect the Islanders' forward depth and force lineup adjustments, potentially giving other players more ice time. Fans and teammates may feel concern, while the team's short-term performance and playoff hopes could be influenced. For Ritchie and Maccelli, recovery timelines may shape their seasons and contract situations, though the full impact remains uncertain until more information is available.