The New York Islanders have added a veteran goalie. News emerged that goaltender David Rittich has signed a one-year contract with the Islanders. New York also signed defenceman Ethan Bear to a one-year contract as well.
Rittich’s contract is for $1 million for the 2025-26 season. Bear’s contract has a value of $775,000 for the NHL level and $325,000 in the minors
#Isles News: The New York Islanders have signed goaltender David Rittich to a one-year contract.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 1, 2025
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David Rittich and Ethan Bear Signed by the New York Islanders
Rittich has played for the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets and the Los Angeles Kings over his nine-year NHL career. The Czech netminder appeared in 34 games and had a 16-14-2 record with a 2.84 goals-against-average. The 32-year-old also logged an .886 save percentage.
Rittich has represented his native Czechia at the international level. He played for his home country in the 2018 IIHF Worlds and was in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.
Bear has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals over his six-year NHL career. The Regina, Saskatchewan native spent all season with the Hershey Bears of the AHL.
Bear has also played at the international level, but he represented his native Canada. He was part of the gold-medal winning squad at the 2023 IIHF World Championships.
What It Means
This two signings are depth ones for an Islanders squad looking to get back into post-season contention. These players will provide depth and support to the Islanders roster.
Rittich showed flashes of his old self at times with the Kings. Darcy Kuemper won the job, but Rittich played well for the Kings last season.
Bear is looking to get back to the NHL level and spending time on Washington’s AHL club. The Bears are one of the better teams in the league. However, Bear is looking to return to the NHL level. These aren’t the flashiest signings, but they’ll help the Isles’ roster.
Main photo by: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
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