Kings sign Rittich to 1-year, $1M deal

One-half of the Los Angeles Kings' goaltending puzzle for the 2024-25 season has been solved.

Pending unrestricted free-agent netminder David Rittich is staying put on a one-year, $1-million contract, the team announced Wednesday.

The 31-year-old journeyman was a revelation for the Kings last season, posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.15 goals against average in 24 games after starting the season in the AHL.

Rittich wasn't nearly as effective in the postseason, though, recording an .872 save percentage in two games before the Kings were ousted by the Edmonton Oilers in Round 1.

Prior to signing Rittich, the Kings had no goalies under contract for next season. Cam Talbot and Pheonix Copley are also pending UFAs.

Rittich owns a .906 save percentage in 196 games across eight NHL seasons between the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and Kings. He spent most of his time with the Flames, serving as the team's primary starter for two seasons.

Further addressing the goaltending position is still expected to be a major priority for Kings general manager Rob Blake this offseason. Blake reportedly had a deadline deal in place for Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark, but the reigning Vezina Trophy winner nixed the move with his no-trade clause.

While the UFA goalie class isn't overly strong, some notable veteran netminders are expected to be on the trade block. In addition to Ullmark - who's taken a back seat to Jeremy Swayman so far this postseason - Jacob Markstrom and Juuse Saros are among those who could be made available this summer.

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