The Dallas Stars have taken care of a major piece of business this summer, signing goaltender Jake Oettinger to a three-year contract extension on Thursday. The club announced on social media, “We have signed Jake Oettinger to a three-year contract through the 2024-25 season.” Reports have the deal valued at $4 million per season.
On expiry, Oettinger will be an RFA with a $4.8 million Qualifying Offer and he’ll be one year from UFA eligibility. The netminder will be 26 when this contract ends and will have the chance to land a long-term contract as he enters his prime. That is, assuming he’s as good as he’s projected to be after wowing fans with his playoff performance against the Calgary Flames this past season. He went 30-15-1 with a 2.53 GAA and .914 save percentage during the 2021-22 season.
It was going to be difficult to know if this contract was a huge value signing or a risk based on the limited number of games Oettinger has actually played in the NHL. But, a bridge deal made the most sense for both sides. Oettinger gets a decent AAV and the Stars get a shorter term to see how he develops. If he becomes a steal at this price, the Stars won’t hesitate to commit to him and make him among the highest-paid goalies in the entire league.
General manager Jim Nill said of the signing:
Jake’s performance spoke for itself last season. He has elite physical ability and presence in the net, while also exhibiting phenomenal mental strength in high-pressure situations. Jake’s poise and character off the ice have made him a leader in our locker room. He has shown that he has the skill, work ethic, and poise to excel at the NHL level. He was a key part of the team’s success last season, and we’re excited to see him continue to grow here in Dallas.
With this deal done, RFA forward Jason Robertson is likely next up for Dallas.
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