Stars Plant Otter Power With Oettinger Extension – Hockey Writers – Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars have their starting goaltender for the foreseeable future. On Thursday, October 17, the Stars announced that they have extended netminder Jake Oettinger to an eight-year, $66 million contract that begins through the 2025-26 season. The average annual value (AAV) will be $8.25 million with the AAVs of recently signed Jeremy Swayman (BOS) and Linus Ullmark (OTT) whose extensions will also begin next season. That being said, what does that mean for “Otter” and the Stars next season and beyond?

Running on Otter Power

The 25-year-old native of Lakeville, MN, was paid by the Stars as they believe he is their point guard of the future through the 2032-33 season when he will become an unrestricted free agent at age 34. agent after the 2024-25 season but those worries could end with an extension. In his career, Oettinger posted a 116-48-23 record in 196 regular season games with a .914 save percentage (SV%), 2.49 goals-against average (GAA), and 11 shutouts. In the 2023-24 season, he had a 35-14-14 record with a 2.72 GAA and a .905 SV% in 54 games played. So far in the 2024-25 season, he is a perfect 3-0-0 with a 1.63 GAA, .948 SV%, and one shutout.

Related: Dallas Stars Sign Jake Oettinger to 8-Year Extension

When asked about the extension, general manager Jim Nill said, “Jake has established himself as one of the best forwards in the NHL. His unique combination of poise, size, athleticism, and mental toughness has helped our team reach new heights since taking the net. He is an important part of our core that will allow us to compete for the Stanley Cup this season, but also for many years to come. Off the ice, Jake is a leader in our team’s community efforts and is always willing to donate his time and resources. I am happy that Jake and his wife Kennedy will be part of our family for many years to come.”

It goes to show how much faith Nill and the Stars have in the 2017 26th-overall pick to not only give him a long-term deal but one that ranks him among the top 10 in netminders in the NHL. Being able to put Oettinger’s name along with the likes of Swayman, Ullmark, Ilya Sorokin, and others gives fans a sense that the goalie position won’t be an issue for years to come.

Oettinger, as of the 2020-21 season, has been a star for the Stars. He ranks in the top 10 in wins (116, sixth) and GAA (2.49, seventh) among goaltenders who will play in at least 50 regular season games. In addition, he is tied for 11th in SV% (.914) and tied for 13th in shutouts (11). Although he has only finished in the top five in Vezina Trophy voting once (5th), he has a chance to bring it home for the first time in franchise history.

Related: Stars’ Jake Oettinger Aims for Franchise’s First Vezina Award This Season

When it’s all said and done, could Oettinger be the greatest hitter in franchise history with names like Ed Belfour, Marty Turco, and others? Either way, it’s an exciting time for Stars fans knowing they have the next nine seasons, including 2024-25, to get their hands on an Oettinger jersey knowing he’s the best for the seasons to come. It’s an exciting time and congratulations to Oettinger for the raise he deserves and the security of knowing he’ll be in the Lone Star State for the foreseeable future.

Back to the Lone Star State

The Stars return home on Saturday, October 19 to face the Edmonton Oilers after losing 3-2 to the Washington Capitals on October 17. The game is at 3 pm Central and can be viewed on Victory+. They will be looking to build on their 4-1-0 record against the 2-3-0 Oilers thus far. It would be a huge boost to get a leg up on the team that knocked them out of the 2024 Western Conference Final.