The Flames have taken care of business and finished building their tandem between the pipes, re-signing RFA netminder David Rittich to a two-year deal on Saturday.
Rittich's new deal carries a $2.75 million cap hit.
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The 26-year-old had a breakout year with Calgary, stealing the starting spot from Mike Smith during the regular season. Rittich went 27-9-5 in 42 starts, posting a 2.61 GAA and .911 save percentage, heping the Flames finish the year atop the Western Conference. Despite struggling later on in the season and seeing Smith take over the duties heading into the playoffs, Rittich ultimately proved to be a reliable option and starter material for the Flames moving forward.
DAVID RITTICH MAKES AN INCREDIBLE STOP TO ROB SAAD!#Flames pic.twitter.com/IILRXg2y5r
— Hockey Daily #StickTogether (@HockeyDaily365) January 8, 2019
While he still has to build on his game and continue to adjust to the NHL level, Rittich has been able to move up the ranks, from overseas to the minors and now, the big club. He's confident and reliable in net, able to boast great positioning, puck control and lateral movement.
The Czech goaltender is expected to continue proving his worth as Calgary's No. 1 goaltender, but will have to compete with Cam Talbot for that starting spot. The Flames signed Talbot, who split last season between the Oilers and Flyers, to a one-year deal on the opening day of free agency.
In locking up two strong up-and-coming netminders, Calgary will look to defend its Pacific Division title and finish first in the West again this coming season.