Rittich for real or just hot right now?

[EnglishJet]

Title says it all really, just looking for some opinions on whether he's a starter one day or just having a moment behind as a backup?

[FantasyKing]

With the way mike smith is playing i'd def pickup rittich

[BenTrovato]

If you’ve watched him play I think he’s for real. I also like Mike Smith but he looks inconsistent and obviously the random injuries are a concern. If I’m Calgary I would actually want to give Rittich 20-30 games and see how he handles it

[The Comish]

I'm cautiously optimistic Rittich can become a legitimate NHL starter.

[Axeman33]

Hot right now. Enjoy the ride while it lasts.

[ericdaoust]

Of course there's a chance, I just worry the Flames derail his momentum trying to get Smith going.

[stevegamer]

I think it can be hard to tell if a guy is a starting caliber NHL goalie without a solid body of work to look at in the NHL. He's looking good, there's an opening, I'd take the chance.

[EnglishJet]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Right now I own him on a dirt-cheap contract, but I'm currently rebuilding and he's single-handedly winning weeks and killing my rebuild! haha Wasn't sure whether he was for real and I should hold on, or just move him while he's hot coz it's not forever!

[stevegamer]

Single-handedly winning weeks doesn't equal killing your rebuild. All he's doing is possibly pushing your draft picks down a few spots per round. You eventually need a starting caliber goalie or two. Having one on a cheap contract would speed your rebuild - either by using him or dealing him. Think positive!

[EnglishJet]

Single-handedly winning weeks doesn't equal killing your rebuild. All he's doing is possibly pushing your draft picks down a few spots per round. You eventually need a starting caliber goalie or two. Having one on a cheap contract would speed your rebuild - either by using him or dealing him. Think positive!

I like that way of looking at it, I hope I didn't present having a good goalie as too much of a bad thing. I just want to make sure I use Rittich the asset properly, either by stashing him in the minors until my team is good enough and he's a starting goalie, or by trading him now for picks/a better goalie prospect.

[IronCityCap87]

I think he is a short term fix and would be a good sell high before his stock declines. See what you can get for him now to help your rebuild. Smith is in the final year of his contract and has not played well enough to get an offer from Calgary. I can see them adding a vet in the off-season

[ericdaoust]

I like that way of looking at it, I hope I didn't present having a good goalie as too much of a bad thing. I just want to make sure I use Rittich the asset properly, either by stashing him in the minors until my team is good enough and he's a starting goalie, or by trading him now for picks/a better goalie prospect.

Quick note: check with your league rules about their tanking policy. Some may not take too well to you putting your (maybe) best goalie in the minors. If they allow it then by all means go ahead.