David Rittich Jr. Bio
David Rittich Jr. is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League. Nicknamed “Big Save Dave,” Rittich has built a reliable NHL career spanning multiple teams since his debut in 2014. He was an NHL All-Star in 2020 and has represented the Czech Republic internationally at various levels. Rittich has established himself as a dependable backup goaltender throughout his career, earning opportunities with several NHL franchises.
Early Life and Background
David Rittich Jr. was born on 19 August 1992 in Jihlava, Czechoslovakia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. His journey in hockey began in his home country, where he developed his skills as a goaltender. Rittich grew up during a transformative period in Czech hockey history, learning the fundamentals of the position that would eventually carry him to the professional ranks in North America.
While specific details about his family background and youth hockey career are limited in available sources, Rittich’s path led him to develop into a professional-caliber goaltender within the Czech hockey system. His progression through Czech youth and junior hockey eventually positioned him for an opportunity to play professionally in his home country’s top league before making the leap to North America.
Path to Professional Hockey
Rittich began his professional career with BK Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Extraliga. He made his Extraliga debut during the 2014-15 season, showcasing his abilities against top competition in one of Europe’s premier hockey leagues. His performances with Mladá Boleslav attracted attention from NHL scouts, and his two successful seasons in the Czech top league provided the foundation for his eventual transition to North American hockey.
The opportunity to join the NHL came when Rittich signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Calgary Flames on 10 June 2016. This marked the beginning of his NHL journey, though he would spend time both in the NHL and with Calgary’s American Hockey League affiliate as he adjusted to the North American game. His work ethic and consistent play eventually earned him a permanent roster spot with the Flames organization.
David Rittich Jr. Career
Calgary Flames Era (2016–2021)
Rittich made his NHL debut on 29 April 2016 against the San Jose Sharks in the third period of the Flames’ final regular season game. He entered the game replacing Brian Elliott and made nine saves on ten shots faced, though the Flames lost 3-2. This brief appearance gave the Calgary coaching staff their first look at Rittich in NHL action.
The 2017-18 season marked Rittich’s breakthrough as a regular NHL goaltender. He recorded his first NHL win on 25 November 2017, in a victory against the Colorado Avalanche. Following the trade of backup goaltender Eddie Lack in December 2017, Rittich became the full-time backup to starter Mike Smith. In his expanded role that season, he finished with an 8-6-3 record, demonstrating his ability to contribute meaningfully when called upon.
Rittich continued to develop his game with the Flames organization. On 10 November 2018, he earned his first career NHL shutout in a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, with Travis Hamonic scoring the game’s only goal. The Flames rewarded his solid play by re-signing him to a one-year, $800,000 contract extension on 26 July 2018, and again to a two-year contract in July 2019. During the shortened 2020-21 season, Rittich recorded his fourth career shutout on 22 February 2021, making 34 saves in a blanking of the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, becoming just the third goaltender in Flames history to shut out the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs (2021)
In the final year of his contract with Calgary, Rittich was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on 11 April 2021 at the NHL trade deadline. The Flames acquired a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Rittich, who was viewed as valuable goaltending depth for the playoff-bound Maple Leafs. He appeared in four regular season games with Toronto, posting a 1-1-1 record, and served as a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs as the Maple Leafs pursued their postseason goals.
Nashville Predators (2021–2022)
Following his brief stint with the Maple Leafs, Rittich signed with the Nashville Predators as a free agent on 28 July 2021. He agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, giving him an opportunity to serve as a backup goaltender in a new environment. The Predators were looking for experienced goaltending depth behind their starter, and Rittich’s NHL experience made him an attractive option. He appeared in games throughout the 2021-22 season, continuing to establish himself as a reliable option in the backup role.
Winnipeg Jets (2022–2023)
Rittich signed with the Winnipeg Jets on 13 July 2022, joining the club on a one-year, $900,000 contract. In Winnipeg, he served as the backup to starting goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, one of the league’s top goaltenders. Rittich made 21 appearances during the 2022-23 season, collecting nine wins while gaining valuable experience playing behind a championship-caliber starter. His time with the Jets provided him with consistent playing time and the opportunity to work within a competitive team structure.
Los Angeles Kings (2023–2024)
After his contract with the Jets expired, Rittich signed with the Los Angeles Kings on 1 July 2023, agreeing to a one-year, $875,000 contract. His strong training camp performance earned him the backup goaltending role behind starting goaltender Pheonix Copley. On 15 May 2024, the Kings signed Rittich to a one-year contract extension, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his abilities and value to the team. His time in Los Angeles provided him with an opportunity to play for a franchise with a rich history and playoff aspirations.
New York Islanders (2025–Present)
On 1 July 2025, Rittich signed a one-year contract with the New York Islanders for the 2025-26 season. The contract carries a salary of $875,000. This move marked another chapter in Rittich’s journeyman NHL career, joining a franchise with a strong defensive identity and tradition of solid goaltending. Rittich brings his experience from five previous NHL teams to Long Island, where he will compete for the backup goaltending position while providing veteran depth between the pipes.
Playing Style and Strengths
Rittich is known as a fundamentally sound goaltender who relies on positioning and quick reflexes rather than explosive athleticism. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he uses his size effectively to cover the net and challenge shooters. His left-hand catching style provides him with solid control on his glove side. Throughout his career, Rittich has demonstrated the ability to steal games for his team on any given night, making crucial saves at key moments. His calm demeanor and work ethic have made him a valued teammate and reliable option whenever called upon to start or relieve.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Among Rittich’s most significant career highlights is his selection as an NHL All-Star in 2020, representing the league’s best goaltenders in the mid-season showcase. His first career shutout against the Los Angeles Kings on 10 November 2018 marked a milestone in his development as an NHL starter. The February 2021 shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs in their own arena added another memorable achievement to his career record, particularly given the rarity of the feat in that historic venue. Rittich’s four career shutouts demonstrate his ability to pitch complete games when his team needs them most.
David Rittich Jr. Career Wins
Rittich has accumulated wins across his multiple NHL organizations, establishing himself as a capable backup who can provide quality starts when needed. While precise career totals vary by season, his win total reflects his consistent contribution as a secondary goaltender on competitive teams. His ability to win games in relief appearances and earn victories when stepping into starting roles has made him a valuable commodity across the league.
International Play
Rittich has represented his native Czech Republic in international competition, wearing the national jersey at various tournaments throughout his career. International play has allowed Rittich to compete against the world’s best players while representing his home country on the biggest stages. His experience in Czech national team colors adds another dimension to his decorated career, demonstrating his status as one of his country’s top goaltending prospects at the professional level.
Career Highlights by Team
With the Calgary Flames, Rittich appeared in numerous games across five seasons, posting an 8-6-3 record in his first full season as a regular NHL goaltender. His memorable shutout against the Los Angeles Kings in 2018 remains one of his signature performances. During his time with Toronto, Nashville, Winnipeg, and Los Angeles, Rittich continued to accumulate wins while serving various backup roles. His most recent victory total with the Jets saw him post nine wins in a reserve capacity, demonstrating his continued effectiveness at the NHL level.
David Rittich Jr. Family
Specific details about David Rittich’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or extended family, are not extensively documented in publicly available sources. The goaltender has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the hockey arena, focusing on his professional career and team responsibilities. Any information regarding family members or personal relationships remains private and is not widely reported in hockey media or official team profiles.
2025 Season Performance Outlook
Rittich enters the 2025-26 season with the New York Islanders, bringing his extensive experience to a franchise known for its strong defensive systems and goaltending tradition. Joining the Islanders on a one-year contract, he provides valuable depth at the goaltending position while competing for playing time. His journey through six NHL organizations has prepared him for whatever role the team requires, whether as a consistent backup or an emergency option.
The Islanders feature a structured team game that emphasizes defensive zone coverage and goaltender support, providing Rittich with an environment where his technical skills and positioning can thrive. Working alongside the team’s established goaltending structure, Rittich will look to contribute to a team with playoff ambitions in the competitive Eastern Conference. His veteran presence adds stability to the goaltending room while offering a reliable option should the team need injury replacement or rest for their primary starter.