The Dallas Stars’ trend of locking up their young players to team-friendly contracts continued on Thursday morning.

Jake Oettinger and the Stars announced that they have agreed to an 8-year $66 million dollar contract extension with an AAV of $8.25 million.

“Jake has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL,” 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.”

Throughout his now five seasons in the NHL, Oettinger has proved himself as one of the game’s elite goalies.

Since the 2020-21 NHL season, Oettinger ranks in the top 10 in wins (116, sixth) and goals-against average (2.49, seventh) amongst active goalies to play in at least 50 regular-season games. He also is tied for 11th in save percentage (.914) and tied for 13th in shutouts (11) over that span.

Locking up Oettinger long-term now was key as the Lakeville Minnesota native was in the final season of his contract which would have made him a restricted free agent after this season.

Dallas now knows that their franchise goaltender will be here to stay for the better part of the next decade.

Jim Nill and the Stars’ front office will now avoid any similar situation to what the Boston Bruins just went through by not signing their star goaltender Jeremy Swayman until right before opening night.

In recent years, Jim Nill has now locked up Miro Heiskanen until 2029, Esa Lindell until 2030, Roope Hintz until 2031, and now Oettinger until 2033.

Next up on the agenda for Nill will be signing Jason Robertson whose contract is set to expire after the 2025/2026 season and Wyatt Jonhston who is a restricted free agent after this season.