Watching these playoffs, and past playoffs, it is clear to me that you need guys who can fight through the cluthing and grabbing. Because every year it gets worse earlier.
Obviously you can point to Kane and JT and say that they are able to fight through it, but they are special players and I don't think any so called skilled players in this draft has their skill and compete level, and come next round it will be tougher against a big Pacific team.
So despite some good arguments for NYlander and EHLers, I say Ritchie is the clear choice, you simply can't pass on that combination of size, quickness and shot, especially when you are rebuilding and will probably have a chance to snag some high end talent next draft.