The Calgary Flames have re-signed restricted free agent goaltender David Rittich to a one- year deal worth $800,000. This deal carries him through the 2018-19 season. The Czech-born goaltender played his first NHL season with the Flames last year, coming up to the team when goaltender Eddie Lack was not able to handle the backup role.
.@CortexBusiness Transaction Alert: The #Flames have re-signed goaltender David Rittich. https://t.co/3FniisNlGW
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 26, 2018
David Rittich Re-Signs with the Calgary Flames
Before making the jump to the NHL Rittich spend two years playing in the Czech Republic. During that time he went 32-37. He also recorded five shutouts all coming in his second year in the Czech Republic.
Rittich has spent his entire two-year NHL career with the Calgary Flames. In 22 career games, Rittich is 8-6-3 with a 2.92 goals against average and a .904 save percentage. Rittich also appeared in 12 AHL games this season going 7-5-0 with a 3.18 goals against average and a sub .900 SV percentage. He also recorded three shutouts in the AHL this year. He is coming off a one-year, $725,000 contract that he signed in July 2017.
Rittich will resume his role as the Flames backup. He has yet to get solid NHL time and still needs improvement before becoming a starter for any team in the NHL. Rittich beat out Jon Gillies for the backup role with the Flames last season. Playing behind an ageing Mike Smith, Rittich will look to get a decent amount of starts to help him improve on his stats moving forward. Rittich brings youth and potential to grow. At only 25-years-old Rittich could have a bright future ahead of him.
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OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 09: Calgary Flames Goalie David Rittich (33) prepares for a face-off during third period National Hockey League action between the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators on March 9, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
