Cal Ritchie forcing NY Islanders coaching staff to make harder decisions

New York Islanders v New Jersey Devils | Rich Graessle/GettyImagesWith the New York Islanders holding onto Jean-Gabriel Pageau — who is entering the final season of his deal — and moving Mathew Barzal back to his natural position at center, the team revealed where they see their future down the middle. It also shed light on what they want to find out about Cal Ritchie.

Ritchie, 20, is capable of playing wing — he played all seven of his NHL games last season with Colorado on the flank, scoring once against Ilya Sorokin — but Patrick Roy sees his true value at center. That’s why his preseason usage is so telling.

The 2023 first-rounder made an early statement in his Isles preseason debut,…