Dallas Stars Sign Goaltender Jake Oettinger to Eight-Year Extension

The Dallas Stars have secured their franchise goaltender, Jake Oettinger, with an eight-year contract extension valued at $66 million, as announced Thursday. The contract features an average annual cap hit of $8.25 million and includes $23 million in signing bonuses. This deal will commence in the upcoming season and extend through the 2032-33 NHL season.

Oettinger, 25, has been a pivotal part of the Stars’ roster, boasting a 116-48-23 record over 196 career games. He ranks third in goals-against average (2.49), sixth in save percentage (.914), and sixth in wins (116) among NHL goaltenders with at least 150 games played since he began his NHL tenure. The goaltender was in the final year of his prior three-year contract, which had an average annual value of $4 million, and was due to become a restricted free agent.

Stars’ head coach Peter DeBoer emphasized Oettinger’s role in the team, stating, “Real obvious he’s a core piece here and has been 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 really good for both parties going forward.”

Jim Nill, the Stars’ general manager, commented on Oettinger’s promising future: “Usually goalies are really not starting to knock on the door till they’re 26, 27, 28. A lot of times, you sign these guys to eight-year deals, they’re 29, 30, 31. And by the time they’re 39, you’re in trouble. He’s 25. He’s going to be 33 and really just might be hitting his peak at the end of this. That’s where it’s a unique situation for us.”

Oettinger has proved his worth in the postseason as well, helping the Stars to reach three consecutive playoff appearances and leading them to the Western Conference finals in the past two seasons. His playoff statistics include a .915 save percentage and a 2.46 goals-against average across 82 games.

“Just so excited and happy to know where I’m going to be for the foreseeable future,” Oettinger expressed. “I couldn’t be more honored to have them believe in me like that, and the way Jim [Nill] treated me since I became a Dallas Star has been first class.”

Oettinger is one of several NHL goaltenders recently signing significant contracts. Notably, Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins secured an identical deal, a move that influenced Oettinger’s agreement. “It was no secret there were guys out there that had to get signed,” Nill mentioned regarding the market trends.

NHL analyst Tom Gulitti contributed to this report, underlining Oettinger’s vital role and potential for the Stars’ long-term success. “He’s a big part of our team,” Nill reiterated, emphasizing Oettinger’s leadership and community involvement.