So, here’s my question: “Whatever happened to goalie David Rittich after the 2020-21 season ended?” The Toronto Maple Leafs traded for him as goalie help at the trade deadline, he played a few games before the regular season had ended – with mixed results – but then he disappeared once the playoffs started.
Really, it’s no surprise Rittich didn’t play much during the regular season and the postseason because it was all Jack Campbell’s show. And, honestly, Campbell played well enough to win – but the offense let him down.
There’s Some Maple Leafs Turmoil Being Engaged
Here’s what we know about the Maple Leafs’ UFA situation. First, in a bit of surprise, there are rumors that Frederik Andersen and the Maple Leafs’ management are having contract talks; and, even if these are dreams, there’s some rumored speculation that Andersen might stay with the Maple Leafs.
If that rumor has legs, it really might come down to which of their own internal UFAs the team wants to sign. In my mind, it’s between Andersen and Zach Hyman.
Honestly, I’m not sure what the rumors today are that Hyman has been given permission to speak to other teams and that he’s already had a number of offers. Could it be that the Maple Leafs are thinking he’s gone and hope to trade his signing rights for a prospect? Do the Maple Leafs believe Hyman wants to stay badly enough that a radical move like offering him the stark reality of exploring what playing in another NHL city might be like? Or, are the Maple Leafs trying to figure out what fair-market value is for their hometown top-six winger?
Who knows? Makes no sense to me.
The Maple Leafs’ Goalie Situation
It’s more clear that the Maple Leafs will need another goalie to play with (or back up) Jack Campbell. Who will that goalie be? That’s where Rittich comes in – or doesn’t – as it were. What was surprising to me during Maple Leafs’ general manager Kyle Dubas’ postseason interviews was the fact that Rittich’s name never came up once that I heard. Dubas never mentioned him, and no one asked.
When Rittich came from the Calgary Flames at the deadline, I believed that Dubas had done well getting the former NHL All-Star goalie who had been made excess when Jacob Markstrom signed from the Vancouver Canucks during the offseason. I thought Dubas chose Rittich for two reasons: first, he was thinking ahead and believing Andersen would be gone; and, second, he got a great deal pulling a former All-Star goalie and saw Rittich as a potential long-term answer.
Now I’m not so sure that Rittich has a place at all, and I wonder why.
Rittich Might Still Fit the Team’s Plans
Rittich might actually be a goalie who fits the team’s plans. Given what should be a time of depressed salaries because of the continuing flat salary cap at $81.5 million and with the team’s likely ability to sign players to short-term contracts in the age of COVID-19, there’s every reason to believe Rittich could be had for much less than his expiring $2.75 million contract.
If they could pull off a $2 million contract and that Campbell is signed for another year at $1.65 million, that’s two goalies under $4 million. That’s math that adds up for the salary-cap-stressed Maple Leafs.
Rittich would probably sign a one-year contract to wait out the pandemic’s lower salaries. Furthermore, he fits into the team’s needs to find a goalie partner for Campbell next season. That leaves the question: “Do the Maple Leafs still want him?”
Michael Hutchinson Isn’t Trusted Enough
What we can guess with some certainty is that the team has Micheal Hutchinson signed, but Hutchinson won’t be seen as enough. He’s good as a third-string goalie and he can and did win a game or two last season. But, he isn’t trusted to carry a heavier load. And, it isn’t likely that Finish goalie Veini Vehviläinen is ready for prime time. Maybe one day, but not next season.
As I write this post, I still wonder why I never heard anything about Rittich during the postseason. I would have guessed his name would at least be kicking around Maple Leafs’ rumors. Not so much.
Is there a chance he might re-sign? We’ll see what happens in the probably just about two weeks.
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