David Rittich Bio
David Rittich Jr., born on 19 August 1992, is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). A left-catching netminder listed at 6 feet 3 inches and roughly 200 pounds, Rittich is widely known by the nickname “Big Save Dave,” a moniker that has followed him throughout his professional career. He has built a reputation as a dependable backup and capable starter who has suited up for the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and Los Angeles Kings, and he represented the Czech Republic at the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.
Early Life and Background
David Rittich Jr. was born on 19 August 1992 in Jihlava, then part of Czechoslovakia, which today lies within the Czech Republic. Growing up in a country with a deep and storied love for ice hockey, Rittich was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed his skills in the local youth system. His tall, athletic build eventually led him to focus on the goaltending position, where his size and reflexes became clear advantages during his teenage years.
Jihlava, located in the Vysočina Region, is home to a long-established hockey tradition, and Rittich benefited from that environment as he progressed through Czech junior hockey. His development within domestic programs prepared him for a professional opportunity with BK Mladá Boleslav, one of the respected clubs in the Czech Extraliga, the country’s top professional league.
Path to Hockey
Rittich’s professional journey began with BK Mladá Boleslav, where he made his Czech Extraliga debut during the 2014–15 season. After two strong showings in the top Czech league, he caught the attention of National Hockey League scouts and executives, even though he had gone undrafted by NHL clubs. On 10 June 2016, the Calgary Flames signed him to a one-year, two-way contract, officially launching his North American professional career.
The transition to the smaller North American rink and the faster pace of the NHL required a period of adjustment, but Rittich used the American Hockey League to sharpen his game and earn opportunities with the parent club. His steady climb through the Flames’ system, combined with consistent performances at the developmental level, ultimately earned him a full-time role in the NHL.
David Rittich Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Rittich made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames during the 2016–17 season, entering the third period of the team’s final regular-season game against the San Jose Sharks. He stopped nine of ten shots after replacing Brian Elliott, although the Flames ultimately fell 3–2. The brief appearance gave Rittich a taste of NHL action and signaled that he was on the organization’s radar heading into the following year.
He recorded his first NHL victory on 25 November 2017, turning in a strong performance against the Colorado Avalanche. Later that December, the Flames traded backup Eddie Läck, which elevated Rittich into a full-time NHL role as the understudy to veteran Mike Smith. He finished his first extended NHL campaign with an 8–6–3 record, and on 26 July 2018, the Flames rewarded his progress with a one-year, $800,000 contract extension.
Calgary Flames Breakthrough (2018–2021)
During the 2018–19 season, Rittich reached several personal milestones, including his first NHL shutout on 10 November 2018, when he backstopped the Flames to a 1–0 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Travis Hamonic scored the lone goal in that contest, and the victory cemented Rittich’s growing reputation as a reliable performer. In July 2019, the Flames re-signed him to a two-year contract, signaling long-term confidence in his ability.
The shortened 2020–21 season produced one of the most memorable achievements of his tenure. On 22 February 2021, Rittich turned aside 34 shots to shut out the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto, becoming only the third goaltender in Flames history to post a road shutout against the Maple Leafs and the first since Yves Bélanger accomplished the feat on 31 December 1977, when the franchise was still located in Atlanta. The performance was Rittich’s fourth career shutout and further elevated his standing around the league.
His time in Calgary concluded on 11 April 2021, when the Flames traded him at the deadline to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Rittich appeared in four regular-season games for Toronto, posting a 1–1–1 record, though he 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 campaign, Rittich signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Nashville Predators on 28 July 2021. He spent a single season in Nashville, providing experienced depth in the Predators’ goaltending group and serving as a steady veteran presence in the locker room.
Although his statistical impact in Nashville was modest, Rittich’s professionalism and work ethic helped reinforce a culture of competition within the Predators’ net. When his contract expired, he once again tested the open market in search of a new opportunity.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2022–2023)
On 13 July 2022, Rittich signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Winnipeg Jets, where he was expected to serve as the backup to starter Connor Hellebuyck. During the 2022–23 season, he appeared in 21 games for the Jets and collected nine wins, providing the club with reliable insurance in the crease throughout the campaign.
His tenure in Winnipeg allowed Rittich to demonstrate that he could thrive within a high-pressure market and in a structured goaltending tandem. By the end of the season, he had once again proven himself as a dependable option for teams in need of veteran depth.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2023–2025)
On 1 July 2023, Rittich joined the Los Angeles Kings on a one-year, $875,000 contract, extending his run of one-year deals across the league. He later signed a one-year contract extension with the Kings on 15 May 2024, keeping him in the organization through the 2024–25 season.
With the Kings, Rittich continued to operate as a capable backup and a steady presence in the dressing room. His familiarity with the Pacific Division, where he had previously faced Los Angeles as a member of the Flames, helped him settle in quickly and contribute to a competitive Kings roster.
New York Islanders Era (2025–Present)
On 1 July 2025, Rittich signed a one-year contract with the New York Islanders for the 2025–26 season, opening the latest chapter of his journeyman NHL career. The move brought him to the Metropolitan Division and offered him another opportunity to support a young goaltending group in the Eastern Conference.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rittich is widely regarded as a calm, technically sound goaltender whose size and athleticism make him effective against both quick-release shots and heavy traffic in front of the net. His left-catching style and efficient movement have allowed him to adjust well to the smaller North American rink, while his poise under pressure has made him a trusted option in high-stakes games and shootouts alike.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Rittich’s career are his first NHL win against the Colorado Avalanche in 2017, his first NHL shutout against the Los Angeles Kings in 2018, and his historic road shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs in February 2021, which placed him alongside some of the most respected goaltenders in Flames history. His selection to the 2020 NHL All-Star Game remains another signature milestone.
David Rittich Career Wins
Across his NHL career, David Rittich has accumulated victories with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, and the New York Islanders, while also earning recognition in the Czech Extraliga with BK Mladá Boleslav. While exact career win totals vary by season and source, his consistent presence on NHL rosters since 2017 reflects the trust that multiple organizations have placed in his abilities.
NHL Highlights
With the Calgary Flames, Rittich compiled the majority of his regular-season wins, highlighted by seasons that saw him record eight or more victories while serving as a backup to Mike Smith. Following his trade to Toronto, he earned a win with the Maple Leafs during the 2020–21 season, and he added to that total with stops in Nashville, Winnipeg, and Los Angeles, where he posted nine wins in 21 appearances with the Jets during 2022–23.
Other Wins & Performances
Before crossing the Atlantic, Rittich was a productive goaltender in the Czech Extraliga with BK Mladá Boleslav, where his performances drew the attention of NHL scouts. His continued strong showings at the international level, representing the Czech Republic, have added to his reputation as a respected competitor beyond the NHL.
David Rittich Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about David Rittich Jr.’s parents and immediate family have not been widely published, and reliable information on his family background remains limited in public sources. His given name and the “Jr.” suffix attached to his full name suggest a family connection, but further specifics are not currently available from verified sources.
Personal Life
Public information about Rittich’s personal life, including marital status, spouse, or children, is not widely documented in verified sources. Throughout his career, he has been known for his laid-back personality and the lighthearted “Big Save Dave” nickname that has become part of his public identity. As he continues his career with the New York Islanders, Rittich remains focused on his role in the locker room and his contributions on the ice.
2025 Season Performance
David Rittich entered the 2025–26 National Hockey League season with the New York Islanders after signing a one-year contract on 1 July 2025, valued at $875,000. Joining a team in transition, he provided experienced goaltending depth and a steady veteran presence for a young Islanders roster aiming to remain competitive in the Metropolitan Division.
As the 2025 season progressed, Rittich served as a reliable option in the Islanders’ goaltending tandem, offering consistency in relief appearances and spot starts. His track record of adapting to new teams and contributing immediately made him a valued piece of head coach Patrick Roy’s plans, and his performances in practice and limited game action were noted for their professionalism.
Looking ahead, Rittich’s primary objective with the Islanders is to maintain a strong save percentage and provide quality minutes whenever called upon, while also mentoring younger goaltenders in the organization. With his contract running through the end of the 2025–26 campaign, Rittich is positioned to remain a meaningful contributor as the Islanders continue their push up the Eastern Conference standings.
