Jake Oettinger Has a Shiny New Contract
Jake Oettinger has just signed a new extension with the Dallas Stars. The Stars have locked in the 23-year-old with a three-year, $12 million contract. This bridge deal will probably lead to a bigger contract down the road that seals “Otter” as the long-term starter in Dallas. Check out the news from Sportsnet:
Here Comes The Money!
Oettinger was more than due for this extension. After locking down the crease with a .914 save percentage and 2.53 goals against average with 30 wins, there was no other option for the Stars. Despite some disparaging comments from team owner Tom Gaglardi, he finally has gone to work. It appears the remarks about young players like Oettinger and young star Jason Robertson are being put to the side. It’s good that Gaglardi put his feelings to the side and put money where his mouth is. Up next seems to be Robertson, with a bridge deal of $7 million AAV becoming more and more likely. Had the Stars regime held firm, they probably would be face with another retool/rebuild instead of having a young goalie and No. 1 winger to build around.
With this out of the way, the focus can be on Robertson. The Tage Thompson deal, as previously mentioned, should be used as a good starting point. Both Robertson and Oettinger are great examples of drafting players and being patient with them — both are 2017 selections. Instead of throwing them right into the show in 2018 or 2019, the Stars were patient with their development. Once a contract is ironed out for Robertson, the pair seem to be the core of an intriguing team for years to come.
Window Open a Crack?
Once the bad deals like Jamie Benn and others run out, the Stars could be set up for a very strong window in the Central Division. Teams like Winnipeg and Nashville could age quickly soon. Chicago and Arizona will stink for at least a few more years. Minnesota and St. Louis are probably going to be in the mix for a while. And, of course, the Stanley Cup currently resides in Colorado. However, the Stars have carved out their spot in a fairly tough division. If they find a way to add some talent, mainly more scoring and a John Klingberg replacement, then anything could happen. Who knows, an in-house surprise like Seguin returning to form would be ideal. Regardless, I’ll certainly keep an eye on Jake Oettinger and the Dallas Stars in 2022-23.
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