The Los Angeles Kings have signed goaltender David Rittich to a one-year, $1 million contract extension. The 31-year-old was a pending unrestricted free agent, previously on a one-year deal worth $875,000. The new contract represents a $125,000 raise and accounts for 1.14% of the Kings’ salary cap. Rittich had a solid season with a 13-6-3 record, .921 save percentage, and three shutouts. He also posted an impressive 18.34 5v5 goals saved above expected, ranking 11th in the league.

By the Numbers
  • New contract value: $1 million
  • Previous contract value: $875,000
  • 2023-24 season stats: 13-6-3 record, .921 save percentage, three shutouts
  • 5v5 goals saved above expected: 18.34 (11th in league)
State of Play
  • Rittich played in a tandem role with Cam Talbot during the 2023-24 season
  • Started two playoff games against the Edmonton Oilers, posting a .872 save percentage
  • Kings were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs
  • Rittich's role was mainly as a backup but he had increased starts in January and February
What's Next

Rittich will continue in a tandem role for the upcoming season, expected to back up or share starts with Cam Talbot. The Kings will look to improve their playoff performance beyond the first round. Monitoring Rittich's contributions will be key to assessing the value of his extension.

Bottom Line

The Kings are banking on Rittich's proven performances and statistical strength to fortify their goaltending for the upcoming season. With a modest cap hit, this extension could provide stability at a reasonable cost as the team strives for deeper playoff success.