Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Stars have their No. 1 goaltender under contract for as long as possible.
The team announced it signed goalie Jake Oettinger to an eight-year contract extension worth $66 million in total, or $8.25 million annually. The new deal begins next season and lasts through 2032-33. He’s currently finishing the final season of a three-year deal worth $4 million per year, and he would have been an RFA with arbitration rights.
“Jake has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL,” Stars GM Jim Nill said in a news release. “His unique blend of poise, size, athleticism, and mental toughness has helped our team reach new heights since he’s taken over the net.”
Oettinger played his rookie year with the Stars in the shortened 2020-21 season but became their starting netminder by the playoffs. He then played 48 games in 2021-22, followed by 62-game and 54-game campaigns in the years since.
Last season, the 25-year-old had a 35-14-4 record with a 2.72 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and three shutouts. He had a career-best 37 wins, 2.37 GAA, .919 SP and five shutouts in 2022-23.
In 196 career games played, Oettinger has a 116-48-23 record, a 2.49 GAA, a .914 SP and 11 shutouts. He also already has 47 playoff games under his belt, posting a 23-22 record, a 2.46 GAA, .916 SP and two shutouts.
Oettinger now has the same average annual value as Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who signed an eight-year, $66-million deal on Oct. 6, ending a contract stalemate. His former teammate, Linus Ullmark, then signed a four-year contract extension with the same average annual value with the Ottawa Senators.
The Stars avoid a stalemate of their own with their goalie for the present and the future.
“He is an integral part of our core that will allow us to contend 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 give his time and resources. I’m pleased that Jake and his wife Kennedi will be part of our family for many years to come.”
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