Flames trade David Rittich to Toronto for a 2022 third round pick

The Calgary Flames have traded goaltender David Rittich to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal was announced by the club on Sunday evening.

In return, the Flames received the Maple Leafs’ third round selection in the 2022 Entry Draft. The Flames retained half of Rittich’s $2.75 million cap hit.

Rittich spent the last five seasons in the Flames’ organization and set career highs in the 2018-19 campaign with 27 wins and a .911 save percentage. He posted a 4-7-1 record and a .904 save percentage in 15 games this season.

Signed by the Flames in June 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of the Czech Extraliga, Rittich became the team’s full-time backup goaltender during the 2017-18 season. He played for the Pacific Division team as one of three Flames representatives at the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.

The Flames now own eight picks in the 2022 Draft.

Rittich has had one of the more unique trajectories in club history. He was found by accident by scout Derek MacKinnon in Europe while scouting Daniel Pribyl. He was signed to back up (and push) Jon Gillies in the AHL, but quickly surpassed him and became Stockton’s starter. Rittich was promoted to the NHL to be Mike Smith’s backup after Eddie Lack struggled, then became a reliable tandem goaltender for the club. A third rounder for a European free agent is excellent value for an expiring asset.

This is the first time the Flames have ever retained salary.

Louis Domingue has been recalled from the taxi squad to be backup, with Artyom Zagidulin coming up from Stockton to be the taxi squad goalie.