David Rittich
David Rittich returned to the Los Angeles Kings last offseason on a one-year deal and would end up starting 31 games for the Kings this season. The performance took a step decline from the year prior as his save percentage went from .921 to .886 and his goals against average went up from 2.15 to 2.84.
The Kings have a number of young goaltenders in their system that might be ready to contribute next season as the backup to Darcy Kuemper. The most notable player would be Erik Portillo, who the Kings traded with the Buffalo Sabres for Portillo's rights in 2023. He would get his first NHL experience this season and appeared in one game where he allowed only one goal against the Anaheim Ducks.
Portillo's numbers for the Ontario Reign did regress this season but if the focus this offseason is to turn the page and focus on the future, then bringing up Erik Portillo next season makes a lot of sense. Darcy Kuemper will be entering the final year of his contract and if Portillo is expected to be the starter, it is important to get him time at the NHL level.