Nick and Brett Ritchie swap sides in NHL’s first brother-for-brother trade

Brett Ritchie and Nick Ritchie were born less than two years apart in Orangeville, Ontario. They’ve been together in the NHL for several seasons.

Now they’re linked forever in hockey history.

The Arizona Coyotes traded Nick Ritchie and defenseman Troy Stecher to the Calgary Flames just before the deadline Friday for Brett Ritchie and minor-leaguer Connor Mackey. According to NHL stats, it’s the first brother-for-brother trade in league history.

“I think it got leaked out, so they were laughing by the time I called them,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said. “It’s unique. If nothing else, we’re unique. It just worked out that way.”

Calgary is looking to climb into a playoff spot by adding Stetcher and Ritchie, the latter of whom has 21 points in 53 games this season.

Nick Ritchie, 27, selected 10th overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks in 2014 NHL draft, has nine goals and 12 assists in 58 games this season.

Older brother Brett, 29, a second round pick of the Dallas Stars in the 2011 draft, has six goals, two assists in 34 games.