The Dallas Stars signed goaltender Jake Oettinger to an eight-year, $66 million contract extension on Thursday.
Oettinger, 25, is 116-48-23 with a .914 save percentage, a 2.49 goals-against average and 11 shutouts since making his debut with the Stars in 2020-21. He has three of the unbeaten Stars’ four wins this season.
“Dallas is the only place I ever wanted to be, so when this opportunity came up, I was so excited.” Oettinger told the Stars’ website. “My wife and I love Dallas so much. My family loves it. Dallas feels like home for us now, so no place we’d rather be.”
The extension, which has an average annual value of $8.25 million, begins with the 2025-26 season. He currently is playing on a three-year, $12 million extension he signed in September 2022.
“Jake has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL,” general manager Jim Nill said. “His unique blend of poise, size, athleticism, and mental toughness has helped our team reach new heights since he’s taken over the net. 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.”
Oettinger is 23-22 with a .916 save percentage and 2.46 GAA in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, helping the Stars advance to the Western Conference Finals in each of the past two seasons.
Stars coach Pete DeBoer said Oettinger was “critical” to the team’s success and noted his postseason performances.
“I think we all know the importance of solid goaltending, and he’s given us that in my entire time here,” said DeBoer, in his third season as head coach. “Just a sense of calm, and the other thing you get from him is leadership. He’s not that goalie that just kind of does his own thing in the goalie department and then shows up and plays. He’s a big part of our group. He’s got great leadership qualities. Every year he’s growing and adding and getting better. I like that he’s been at his best at the toughest time of year in the playoffs.”
The Stars drafted Oettinger in the first round (26th overall) in 2017. The Minnesota native played collegiate hockey at Boston University.
–Field Level Media
