In a move that solidifies their long-term future between the pipes, the Dallas Stars have inked star goaltender Jake Oettinger to an eight-year, $66 million contract extension. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $8.25 million, will keep the 25-year-old in a Stars uniform through the 2032-33 season.
Over the past few seasons, Oettinger, set to become a restricted free agent this summer, has solidified his position as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders. The former first-round pick has posted a stellar 116-48-23 record in 196 career games, with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.
Peter DeBoer, the head coach of the Stars, praised him as a core piece who has been there for a while. “A great deal—a great deal for him, well-earned, and a great deal for the team. I think it’s going to look excellent for both parties going forward.”
Indeed, it is impossible to overstate Oettinger’s contribution to the Stars’ success. The young netminder has helped the team make the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, including a pair of trips to the Western Conference Finals. The Stars’ recent success has been largely attributed to his consistent play and ability to step up in the postseason.
“Every year he’s growing and adding and getting better,” DeBoer noted. “I like that he’s been at his best at the toughest time of year in the playoffs.”
The Stars’ decision to lock up Oettinger long-term is a savvy one, as the team has managed to secure the services of its franchise goaltender well before he hits his prime years. According to general manager Jim Nill, this unique situation allows the Stars to benefit from Oettinger’s prime while he’s still on a relatively team-friendly deal.
“Usually, goalies don’t start making moves until they are 26, 27, 28,” Nill clarified. “A lot of times, you sign these guys to eight-year deals; they’re 29, 30, 31. By the time they turn 39, you’re in serious trouble. He’s 25. He is about to turn 33 and could potentially be reaching his peak by the end of this year. That’s what makes our situation unique.
Oettinger’s extension also comes on the heels of several other significant goaltender contracts around the NHL, including the eight-year, $66 million deal signed by the Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman and the four-year, $33 million pact between the Ottawa Senators and Linus Ullmark.
“That kind of brought it all together,” Nill said of the Swayman and Ullmark deals. It was no secret that there were players who needed to secure contracts. Therefore, we decided to observe the current state of the market and, once it has stabilized, initiate further discussions. And that’s exactly what we did.
With the goaltender market now firmly established, all eyes will turn to the ongoing negotiations between the New York Rangers and their own star netminder, Igor Shesterkin. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner could very well eclipse the annual average value of the Oettinger, Swayman, and Ullmark deals, potentially becoming the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL.
For the Stars, the signing of Oettinger represents a pivotal moment in the franchise’s trajectory. The young goaltender has been a cornerstone of the team’s success in recent years, and by locking him up long-term, the organization has ensured that he will continue to be a key part of their plans for the foreseeable future.
Oettinger expressed his excitement and happiness at knowing his future location. “I couldn’t be more honored to have them believe in me like that, and the way Stars general manager Jim (Nill) treated me since I became a Dallas Star has been first class, and I can’t say enough great things about the way everything went down. Just honored to be here.”
As the Stars embark on the 2023-24 season and beyond, they can take comfort in the knowledge that their most valuable asset, Jake Oettinger, is firmly committed to the organization. With their franchise goaltender secured for the long term, the Stars’ Stanley Cup aspirations have only intensified.