David Rittich

David Rittich Jr. is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender, born on August 19, 1992, in Jihlava, Czechoslovakia. He currently plays for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he brings his considerable experience and calm presence to the team's goaltending depth. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds, Rittich has established a reputation as a steady and reliable netminder across a decade in the league. Known by the affectionate nickname "Big Save Dave," he is celebrated for his ability to come up with crucial stops in high-pressure moments. His career highlights include being selected as an NHL All-Star in 2020, a testament to his standout play during that period. Rittich has also represented the Czech Republic internationally, showcasing his skills on the global stage. His distinctive style and consistent performance have made him a respected figure in the NHL.[edit]

David Rittich Jr. was born and raised in Jihlava, Czechoslovakia, a city renowned for its deep hockey heritage. He grew up idolizing goaltenders and began his formative years playing youth hockey for the local club, HC Dukla Jihlava. His early dedication was evident as he spent countless hours on the ice, honing his skills and quickly demonstrating a natural talent for stopping pucks. This early promise earned him a reputation as a determined and industrious young goalie within the Czech hockey system.

Rittich's professional journey commenced in the Czech Extraliga, where he played for prominent clubs such as HC Dukla Jihlava and BK Mladá Boleslav. Over several seasons, he diligently developed his game in his home country, consistently posting solid statistics and accumulating invaluable experience. His impressive performances in the Czech league eventually captured the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his signing with the Calgary Flames in 2016. Rittich dedicated his first North American season to playing for the Stockton Heat, the Flames' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. During this time, he continued to refine his technique and adapt to the faster pace and smaller ice surfaces characteristic of the North American game, laying the groundwork for his future NHL success.

His breakthrough season in North America arrived during the 2018-19 campaign with the Calgary Flames. Rittich impressed significantly, posting a 15-11-1 record, a 2.27 goals-against average, a .924 save percentage, and securing five shutouts in his first full NHL season, solidifying his presence in the league.[edit]

David Rittich's NHL career gained significant momentum during the 2018-19 season while playing for the Calgary Flames, where he successfully established himself as a dependable starting goaltender. His exceptional play during this period led to his selection as an NHL All-Star in 2020, marking a significant career milestone and a highlight of his tenure in Calgary. Following his success with the Flames, Rittich embarked on a journey that saw him play for multiple NHL franchises. His career path included stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and Los Angeles Kings, where he demonstrated his versatility by filling both starting and backup goaltender roles, underscoring his adaptability and professional demeanor.

In the 2025-26 season, Rittich joined the New York Islanders as a backup goaltender. He delivered a particularly notable performance against the New York Rangers, a team against which he has historically performed exceptionally well, earning considerable praise from fans for his efforts. Following the conclusion of the Islanders' season on April 15, 2026, Rittich addressed the media on "Breakup Day." Subsequently, he entered the free agency market, exploring his options. In July 2026, Rittich signed a one-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, valued at $1 million with a $1 million cap hit. This agreement is set to run through the 2026-27 season, providing the Devils with an experienced goaltender to support their emerging goaltending prospects.[edit]

David Rittich is widely recognized as a reliable and composed NHL goaltender, distinguished by his capacity to execute crucial saves under intense pressure. His widely adopted nickname, "Big Save Dave," has become a favorite among fans, accurately reflecting his proven ability to perform effectively in critical game situations. Teammates and coaching staff consistently commend Rittich for his strong work ethic and his commitment to the team's success, contributing to his reputation as a positive influence in the locker room. Off the ice, he actively engages with his fanbase through social media platforms, offering insights into his life and training regimen. His approachable and down-to-earth personality further endears him to fans and media alike.[edit]

David Rittich has never been one for the spotlight, but in the hockey world, his name carries weight. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated him, yet he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, neither the Global Top 1,000 nor any Top-100 scope list. That might surprise fans who have watched him steal games with acrobatic saves, but fame, as measured by global reach, is a fickle metric. His story is one of steady, unflashy excellence, a goaltender who lets his play speak, not his profile.

On the ice, Rittich has built a following the old-fashioned way: by making the big save when it matters. Known affectionately as 'Big Save Dave,' he has become a cult figure among hockey purists who appreciate the art of goaltending. Yet, there is no formal fandom name, no organized fan club with a clever moniker. His supporters are a loose coalition of hockey fans who admire his calm under fire and his knack for rising to the occasion. They gather in arenas and on social media, sharing highlights and debating his starts, but they've never coalesced into a singular, named force.

That's not to say his fanbase lacks passion. They are the kind of fans who remember his 15-11-1 rookie season with the Calgary Flames, when he posted a .924 save percentage and five shutouts, a performance that turned heads and earned him a permanent place in the conversation. They were there when he was named an NHL All-Star in 2020, a nod to his standout play. And they'll be watching now, as he navigates a new chapter with the New Jersey Devils, ready to cheer for the next 'Big Save Dave' moment.[edit]

David Rittich's nickname, 'Big Save Dave,' isn't just a catchy moniker, it's a badge of honor earned through a career of clutch performances. Off the ice, he's shown a generous side, donating goalie equipment to his hometown team, HC Dukla Jihlava, and supporting young netminders through the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program. His calm, composed demeanor is legendary among teammates, a trait that has steadied many a penalty kill.

Fans know him as a family man, too, with his beloved dog Rocky often stealing the spotlight on social media. But there's more to the legend. In his first North American season with the Calgary Flames, he posted a 15-11-1 record with a 2.27 goals-against average and five shutouts, a debut that immediately endeared him to the Flames faithful and set the stage for his All-Star nod in 2020.

One story that still circulates among fans is his performance on March 14, 2026, when, playing for the New York Islanders, he turned aside a barrage of shots in the third period to secure a 3-2 win over his former team, the Flames. It was a vintage 'Big Save Dave' moment, a reminder of why he's been trusted in high-pressure situations for over a decade. While no viral incidents or folklore have attached themselves to his name, his career is a tapestry of steady, reliable excellence, one that continues to unfold.[edit]

David Rittich maintains a degree of privacy regarding his personal life, though he has acknowledged the unwavering support of his family throughout his hockey career. He was born and raised in Jihlava, Czech Republic, where he grew up with his parents and a younger sister. Currently, Rittich is not married and does not have children. He shares his home with a canine companion named Rocky. Despite his professional commitments, Rittich stays closely connected to his hometown, frequently returning during the offseason and actively supporting local hockey initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to his roots.[edit]

David Rittich has crossed paths with many notable figures in hockey. He played alongside star forwards like Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan during his time with the Calgary Flames. He also worked with goaltending coach Jordan Sigalet, who helped refine his technique. More recently, he has been linked with Devils general manager Sunny Mehta, who praised his signing, and with Utica Comets GM Braden Birch, as the Devils' AHL affiliate considers its goaltending options for the 2026-27 season. [edit]

David Rittich prefers to keep details about his personal relationships private, and specific information regarding his dating history is not publicly available. As of 2026, reports indicate that he is single and focused on advancing his professional hockey career. He has never been married and has no children. While he shares his home with his dog, Rocky, Rittich generally avoids public discussion of his romantic life, leading to limited information available on past relationships.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN's editorial analysis estimates David Rittich's net worth at $6 million. This figure reflects a career built on consistent, dependable goaltending in the NHL, where he has earned in excess of $15 million in base salary alone over more than a decade of professional play. For the 2025-26 season, he earned $1 million with the New York Islanders, and in July 2026, he signed a one-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, also valued at $1 million.

Beyond his NHL salary, Rittich's financial portfolio is supported by potential endorsement deals and public appearances, though he is known for a modest lifestyle off the ice. His prudent investment strategies have further bolstered his financial stability, ensuring that his earnings from hockey translate into long-term security. While the spotlight often falls on the flashiest players, Rittich's net worth is a testament to the value of steady, reliable performance, both on the ice and in his financial planning.[edit]

David Rittich was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2020, a career highlight that recognized his outstanding play during the 2019-20 season. This selection stands as the major individual accolade of his NHL career. [edit]