Jake Oettinger’s Mega Deal: A Smart Move for the Dallas Stars!
Eight Years at $66 Million: What a Stunner!
In a twist that has hockey analysts buzzing like they’ve just downed too many energy drinks, the Dallas Stars have locked in goaltender Jake Oettinger to an astonishing eight-year, $66 million contract. That’s an average of $8.25 million a year — basically, Oettinger will be making enough money to buy your favorite hockey team… and probably some ice cream for the whole neighborhood while he’s at it!
A Look Back: The Rookie Sensation
At just 25 years old, Oettinger isn’t just a goaltender; he’s a phenomenon. If you think getting him was out of the blue, remember, he was cleverly picked in the first round of the 2017 draft as the 26th overall pick. Fast forward to now, and he’s turned a *$4 million* annual contract from his previous deal into this blockbuster. Talk about a glow-up! From a modest $12 million four-year deal to—well, let’s just say he’s now on track to earn a small fortune.
Elite Status? You Bet!
According to Stars’ general manager Jim Nill, Oettinger has cemented himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL. And why not? His unique blend of composure, size, athleticism, and oh yes, that magical mental toughness has propelled the Stars into a serious contender for the Stanley Cup. Just imagine the vibes in Dallas — every game feels like a concert, thanks to Oettinger’s talent behind the net!
Current Season Highlights: An Unstoppable Force
Let’s talk numbers. This season, Oettinger is *3-0-0* with a phenomenal 1.63 goals-against average and a jaw-dropping .948 save percentage. No wonder the Stars are buzzing with excitement (and possibly some overpriced nachos!). He and teammate Casey DeSmith shut out the New York Islanders and the Seattle Kraken like a pro—because if you can’t score, you can’t win, right?
What’s Next?
As the Stars get ready to face off against the Washington Capitals, all eyes will be glued to the ice. DeSmith will start, but rest assured: Oettinger’s shadow will loom large. With his contract secure, one might think he’ll just relax, but if history is any indicator, he’s likely to come back even fiercer! With hopes high for the season, the Stars aren’t just playing for this year—they’re aiming for a dynasty!
Stars’ Future Looks Bright
The Dallas Stars are putting together quite the roster. Alongside Oettinger, they’ve locked in players like defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Jason Robertson, both on long-term deals. When you find a core group that works, it’s like discovering your favorite pizza topping—you just can’t go back!
Conclusion: Big Money, Big Expectations
So what does this mean for the Stars? In simple terms: big expectations! With such a lucrative contract, they’re not just asking Oettinger to stop pucks. They’re expecting him to lead the charge towards the Stanley Cup. And honestly? With the talent he’s shown, why wouldn’t they? Let’s buckle up, hockey fans, because this season is about to get wild!
Jake Oettinger has agreed to an eight-year, $66 million contract with the Dallas Stars. He will receive an average of $8.25 million per year, while this agreement will come into effect next season and will be valid until the end of the 2032-33 campaign.
The 25-year-old goaltender could have become a restricted free agent after this season. He signed a four-year deal worth $12 million (annual average of $4 million) with Dallas on September 1, 2022.
“Jake has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill. His unique combination of composure, size, athleticism and mental toughness has helped the team reach new heights since he established himself as the number one goalie. He is an integral part of the core that will allow us to fight for the Stanley Cup this season, but also for years to come. »
Oettinger is 3-0-0 with a 1.63 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage this season for the Stars (4-0-0). He and Casey DeSmith posted back-to-back shutouts against the New York Islanders (3-0) and the Seattle Kraken (2-0) at the American Airlines Center on October 12 and 13.
DeSmith will get the start for the Stars against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; Victory+, MNMT).
Oettinger, selected in the first round (26th overall) of the 2017 draft, has a record of 187-116-48 with a 2.49 GAA, a .914 save percentage and 11 shutouts in 196 regular season games ( 187 departures). He also went 23-22 with a 2.46 GAA, .916 save percentage and two shutouts in 47 playoff games (45 starts). He notably helped Dallas reach the Stanley Cup final in 2020, before leading the Stars to two consecutive appearances in the Western Conference finals in 2023 and 2024.
The Stars also put two other players selected in 2017 under long-term contracts, namely defenseman Miro Heiskanen (eight years, $67.6 million) on July 17, 2021 and forward Jason Robertson (four years, $31 million). on October 6, 2022.
