Ritter Coombs (LW, L, 6’0″, 185, Sioux Falls Stampede, 11/03/2006, Providence)
Ritter Coombs is a rugged, physical winger who plays with an edge and has carved out a clear identity as a bottom-six, energy-forward at the USHL level. He brings a heavy forecheck, a high-impact hitting game, and legitimate nuisance value that can tilt momentum shifts in a game. After being traded mid-season from Dubuque to Sioux Falls, his offensive production held steady, but his physical impact intensified—accumulating over 100 PIMs in just 21 games with the Stampede. With limited ice time (10:44 per game), Coombs still managed to generate 1.56 shot attempts per game and post 17% scoring chance efficiency—impressive for his role.
While his offensive ceiling is modest, he plays a defined style that could fill a role as a hard-nosed fourth-line winger or penalty killer at higher levels if his game continues to round out.
Why Coombs Should Be Drafted
- Defined Identity as a Hard-Nosed, Disruptive Winger
Coombs brings NHL-aligned intangibles: he plays with fire, finishes his checks, agitates, and doesn’t shy away from confrontation. His 1.08 hits per game (versus 10:44 TOI) and 144 penalty minutes show he’s a consistent physical presence who embraces his role. His takeaways (1.58/game) further reflect active stick work and engagement on the forecheck. - Efficient Shooter in Limited Usage
Despite limited minutes, Coombs averaged 1.56 shot attempts and 1.02 shots on goal per game, with 17% scoring chance conversion, suggesting he maximizes the few looks he generates. That efficiency, paired with a north-south mentality, gives him scoring potential off forechecks, broken plays, or rebounds. - Strong Work Ethic & Willingness to Sacrifice
He’s committed to the hard areas. He retrieves pucks (3.9 recoveries/game), blocks shots, and brings urgency in transition. These traits, combined with his size and grit, align with what NHL teams often seek in bottom-six energy players.
Why Coombs Should Not Be Drafted (Yet)
- Limited Offensive Upside & Skill Ceiling
Coombs’ 82% pass completion and 0.25 pre-shot passes/game underscore limitations in vision and puck distribution. His offense is largely self-generated off effort, not creation. As a winger without dynamic speed or playmaking ability, his scoring may plateau in more structured or skilled leagues. - Struggles in Puck Battles & Defensive Detail
His 41% puck battle win rate highlights a need to get stronger and more technically sound in physical engagements. For someone whose game revolves around grinding, that’s a red flag at higher levels. Defensively, he still tends to chase hits over structure and can be out of position when the puck transitions quickly. - Penalty Discipline and Emotional Control
The 144 PIMs this season—many coming after his trade—reflect an emotional, physical game that can cross the line. His style is effective when controlled, but he risks becoming a liability if he cannot better manage his aggression and avoid undisciplined minor penalties.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection:
Bottom-six physical winger with energy-line value and match-up mentality if he rounds out his game. Comparable archetype: lower-minute, high-compete fourth-line forward. Floor is ECHL or depth AHL agitator. Ceiling hinges on discipline, improved skating efficiency, and continued engagement without the puck.
Draft Grade:
7th Round/ Priority Free Agent Watchlist — Defined role player with NHL-aligned traits. Tools not dynamic, but compete, identity, and physicality may warrant a late-round swing if your organization values gritty depth, internal competition and external intimidation.
Development Plan:
Continue to refine skating and balance through contact.
Focus on puck battle technique and lower-body strength.
Work with skills coach on touch passes, wall decisions, and breakout reliability.
Rein in penalty-taking—become a disciplined agitator, not a liability.
Verdict:
If your organization is looking to inject some tenacity and energy into its bottom-six pipeline, Coombs is a worthwhile bet late in the draft or in a few years as a college free agent. His game isn’t flashy, but it’s honest—and with the right development environment, he could become a trusted role player who brings presence and purpose to every shift.