David Rittich Bio
David Rittich Jr., born on 19 August 1992 in Jihlava, Czechoslovakia, is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 191 centimeters tall and weighing 91 kilograms, Rittich has built a journeyman career across multiple NHL organizations since first moving to North America in 2016. He earned NHL All-Star recognition in 2020 and has represented the Czech Republic in international competition throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
David Rittich Jr. was born on 19 August 1992 in Jihlava, a city in what was then Czechoslovakia and is today part of the Czech Republic. Growing up in a country with a deep tradition of ice hockey, Rittich developed his interest in the sport during his childhood and began working his way through the Czech youth system as a goaltender. His size and athletic frame allowed him to develop the technical fundamentals required to play the position at higher levels.
Rittich progressed through the Czech hockey ranks and eventually reached the senior level with BK Mladá Boleslav, one of the clubs in the Czech Extraliga, the top professional league in the country. His development in the Czech system laid the foundation for a professional career and gave him the opportunity to eventually attract the attention of NHL scouts. By the time he completed his second season of top-level play in the Czech Extraliga, Rittich was ready to pursue a professional opportunity in North America.
Path to Professional Hockey
Rittich made his Czech Extraliga debut with BK Mladá Boleslav during the 2014-15 season, marking the official start of his professional career. Over two seasons with the club, he delivered strong performances that established him as one of the more promising goaltending prospects in the Czech league. His work between the pipes during this period convinced NHL teams that he could translate his game to the faster North American style.
That opportunity arrived on 10 June 2016, when the Calgary Flames of the NHL signed Rittich to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal gave Rittich the chance to compete for a roster spot in one of the most competitive professional leagues in the world. After spending time adjusting to the North American game in the minor leagues, he earned his first NHL opportunity late in the 2016-17 season, setting the stage for what would become a long and steady professional journey.
David Rittich Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
David Rittich made his NHL debut against the San Jose Sharks in the third period of the Flames’ final regular season game of the 2016-17 season. Replacing goaltender Brian Elliott, he made nine saves on 10 shots but finished the game on the losing side of a 3-2 decision. The appearance gave him his first taste of NHL action and set up his first full season in the league the following year.
During the 2017-18 season, Rittich recorded his first NHL win on 25 November 2017, in a game against the Colorado Avalanche. After the Flames traded backup Eddie Lack in December 2017, Rittich was elevated to a full-time NHL role as the backup to starter Mike Smith. He finished his first extended NHL season with an 8-6-3 record, and the Flames rewarded his progress by re-signing him to a one-year, $800,000 contract extension on 26 July 2018.
Calgary Flames Era (2018-2021)
Rittich opened the 2018-19 season in strong form and recorded his first NHL shutout on 10 November 2018, against the Los Angeles Kings in a 1-0 win, with Travis Hamonic providing the lone goal. The performance signaled his arrival as a legitimate NHL goaltender. In July 2019, the Flames signed Rittich to a two-year contract extension, cementing his role within the organization and recognizing his continued development.
In the shortened 2020-21 season, Rittich turned aside 34 shots on 22 February 2021 to record a shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto. The performance made him only the third goaltender in Flames history to shut out the Maple Leafs in Toronto and the first to do so since Yves Belanger accomplished the feat on 31 December 1977, when the franchise was still located in Atlanta. It was also Rittich’s fourth career NHL shutout. His strong play during this period earned him a selection to the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, one of the highest individual honors of his career.
Rittich’s time in Calgary came to an end at the NHL trade deadline on 11 April 2021, when the Flames dealt him to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in four regular season games for Toronto, posting a 1-1-1 record, but was a healthy scratch during the Maple Leafs’ playoff run that spring.
Nashville Predators Era (2021-2022)
As a free agent following the 2020-21 season, Rittich signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Nashville Predators on 28 July 2021. The move gave him an opportunity to compete for playing time in a new organization and a different conference. He spent one season in Nashville before again hitting the open market.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2022-2023)
On 13 July 2022, Rittich signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Winnipeg Jets. Serving as the backup to starting goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, he appeared in 21 games during the 2022-23 season and collected nine wins. His role with the Jets was limited, but he provided reliable depth at a demanding position.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2023-2025)
Rittich signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Los Angeles Kings on 1 July 2023, continuing his run as a reliable veteran backup in the NHL. On 15 May 2024, the Kings signed him to a one-year contract extension, signaling their confidence in his abilities. He spent two seasons with the organization before his contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
David Rittich Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about David Rittich’s family background remains limited. What is known is that he was born and raised in Jihlava, Czechoslovakia, in what is now the Czech Republic, and developed his hockey skills within the country’s strong national system. The Czech Republic has produced a long line of distinguished goaltenders, and Rittich’s path through the domestic leagues followed the same general route taken by many of his countrymen before him.
Personal Life
Details about David Rittich’s personal life, including any spouse or children, are not publicly confirmed through verified sources. His professional journey has taken him across multiple cities and organizations since 2016, and he continues to compete at the NHL level into his thirties.
2025 Season Performance
David Rittich began the 2025-26 season with a new organization after signing a one-year contract with the New York Islanders on 1 July 2025. The deal marked the latest chapter in a career that has seen him move between five NHL organizations in just over four seasons. Joining the Islanders gave him an opportunity to compete for a depth role behind the team’s established goaltenders while also serving as experienced insurance during a long season.
As a veteran backup with more than a decade of professional experience, Rittich is expected to provide stability and mentorship within the Islanders’ goaltending group. His track record of stepping into starting roles when needed, including his All-Star season with the Calgary Flames, makes him a reliable option for any situation that may arise during the year. With a contract that runs through the end of the 2025-26 season, Rittich will look to continue producing at the NHL level while contributing to the Islanders’ push for a playoff position.