Report: Flames sign Czech League goalie David Rittich

With zero decisions in net, the Calgary Flames have reportedly added another goalie into the system today with the reported signing of former BK Mlada Boleslav goalie David Rittich, per a Czech website.

Update: BK Mlada Boleslav’s site has confirmed the signing too.

The signing is definitely out of left field, with little inclination from the Flames about pursuing Rittich which seemingly started during the World Cup. The 23 year-old goalie who’ll turn 24 this August posted a modest .919 in all situations in 48GP with the Czech League with BK Mlada Boleslav:

At this point it reads as a low risk move that’s worth the gamble that likely helps solidify Stockton’s goaltending situation next season.

With Mason McDonald expected to be a pro next season, it’s incredibly likely he gets a majority of the playing time in Adirondack of the ECHL while Jon Gillies and potentially Rittich take the crease in Stockton. Given how Gillies’ season unfortunately ended and the carousel of netminders that Stockton ran through adding insurance moving forward is critical.

At this point though, it’s likely far from the realm of possibilities to assume this can be interpreted as the Flames actively shopping Gillies or McDonald to help find a starter for this coming season. Though anything is possible in the realm of trades the major point is it’s a positive sign to seeing Treliving and company pursue talent outside of North America.