Rittich trade clouds Leafs plan for Andersen

Another goaltender has come to the crowded Toronto crease as the trade deadline nears, boosting playoff depth, but dimming the picture for Frederik Andersen.

Though the Maple Leafs have dodged the question of whether the injured Andersen comes back this season, they acquired Calgary Flames backup David Rittich late Sunday for a third-round pick next year. Calgary will also pick up 50 per cent of Rittich’s salary.

That’s more insurance for current No. 1 Jack Campbell and, as Rittich doesn’t require quarantine since he’s already in Canada, that’s four healthy goalies, counting Michael Hutchinson and emergency replacement Veino Vehvilainen.

Rittich’s name has been mentioned before in Toronto earlier this season when the 6-foot-3 Czech shut them out 3-0 and also played well in two close losses, where his team scored a total of two goals.

Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas would have to explain his reasoning after Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline and perhaps reveal why Andersen has been out since March 19.

Dubas bolstered the club at forward with Nick Foligno, Stefan Noesen and the injured Riley Nash, and now the 28-year-old Rittich in net.