Islanders Recall Cal Ritchie; Barzal Reinstated After Bus Incident

The New York Islanders recalled forward Calum (Cal) Ritchie from AHL Bridgeport and reassigned Marshall Warren as the corresponding move, with Ritchie expected to be available to play against the Washington Capitals after his flight to Raleigh was canceled. Coach Patrick Roy said Ritchie will skate on Mathew Barzal’s wing alongside Kyle Palmieri as the club evaluates whether he can earn a more permanent roster spot. Ritchie (listed 20–21) has prior NHL experience — seven games with Colorado — and has three points in three AHL games this season despite a recent lower‑body absence. Barzal was reinstated after being healthy‑scratched the previous night by first‑year GM Mathieu Darche for missing the team bus; Barzal called the discipline fair. Warren, who had two assists in his NHL debut while filling in for an injured Alexander Romanov, was sent down to create Ritchie’s roster spot. The Islanders said Ritchie’s travel snafu forced a makeshift lineup in Carolina but emphasized they will continue enforcing punctuality while integrating new players.