Dallas Stars Ink Jake Oettinger to an Eight-Year, $66 Million Extension

The Dallas Stars made a bold move in securing their future between the pipes, signing star goaltender Jake Oettinger to an eight-year, $66 million contract extension, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $8.25 million. The deal is a significant commitment that mirrors a similar contract signed by Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman earlier in the season, setting a new benchmark for elite goaltending in the NHL. Both Oettinger and Swayman represent the future of goaltending in the NHL—young, technically sound, and calm under pressure. While the size, structure, and term of these deals are almost identical, the reasoning behind these long-term commitments for both Dallas and Boston points to a growing trend in the league: locking down franchise goaltenders before they enter their prime years.

Oettinger’s Impact in Dallas

Oettinger has established himself as one of the league’s brightest young goaltenders. Drafted 26th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, Oettinger rapidly ascended through the Stars system, earning the starting role in just his second full NHL season. The 25-year-old netminder has demonstrated elite potential, consistently posting strong numbers and playing pivotal roles in the Stars’ deep playoff runs over the past two seasons.

In 196 career regular seaosn games, Oettinger boasts a 0.914% save percentage and 2.49 goals-against average (GAA), earning himself a place among the league’s top-tier goaltenders. His stellar postseason play, most notably in the 2022 playoffs when he almost single-handedly dragged the Stars, has made him invaluable to Dallas. This extension solidifies the Stars belief in Oettinger as their cornerstone in net for the foreseeable future.

Swayman’s Similar Path with the Bruins

Jeremy Swayman’s career trajectory has mirrored Oettinger’s in many ways. At 25 years old, Swayman has also quickly risen through the ranks to become a top goaltender in the league for the Boston Bruins. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Swayman has steadily improved each season, culminating in an outstanding 135 career regular seasons game where he has posted a 0.918% save percentage and 2.35 goals against average. Even though he was sharing the net with Linus Ullmark until this season, he proved that he’s capable of handling a heavier workload as the Bruins No. 1 goalie.

While Swayman hasn’t had quite the same high-pressure playoff moments that Oettinger has, his regular-season dominance and calm demeanor in the crease have earned him a similar payday. The Bruins wasted no time locking him up to an eight-year deal, which signals their confidence in him as their franchise goaltender.

Identical Contracts, Different Situations

While Oettinger and Swayman’s contracts are identical in length and value, the circumstances surrounding their respective teams offer interesting contrasts. The Stars, after reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2023, are a team built to compete now, with Oettinger playing a central role. With stars like Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen, and Roope Hintz all signed to long-term deals, the Stars core is locked in and poised for sustained success. By extending Oettinger, Dallas is ensuring that they have stability in net as they aim for another Stanley Cup run.

On the other hand, the Bruins are in a bit more of a transitional phase. With major additions of Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, and Matthew Poitras poised to take a step, continue a long tradition of winning. Furthermore, their defense remains strong, and by committing to Swayman, Boston is ensuring that their defensive structure will remain sound for years to come, even as they undergo some roster changes in the future.

Why These Deals Make Sense for Both Teams

The trend of signing young, promising goaltenders to long-term, high-value contracts is a smart move for both the Stars and the Bruins. Elite goaltending is one of the most valuable assets in the NHL, and securing that position for the next decade gives both franchises the peace of mind that they’ll be set in net as they continue to build out the rest of their rosters.

For the Stars, Oettinger’s deal is a direct investment in their present and future. At just 25 years old, Oettinger is only entering his prime years. His consistent regular-season play, combined with his ability to perform in clutch playoff situations, makes him worth every penny of his $8.25 million AAV. Dallas has built a contender around its young core, and keeping Oettinger in place for the next eight seasons provides stability at a critical position.

Similarly, the Bruins decision to sign Swayman to the same deal in the first place, reflects their confidence in his development. While the Bruins immediate future is a bit more uncertain, Swayman’s ability to provide consistently excellent goaltending gives them a cornerstone around which to build as they navigate returning to Stanley Cup glory.

Risk vs. Reward

Of course, long-term contracts for goaltenders always come with some inherent risk. Goaltenders are notoriously difficult to predict, and a once-elite goalie can see their performance decline due to injuries or inconsistent play. However, both Oettinger and Swayman have shown enough promise early in their careers to warrant such a significant investment. By locking them in now, the Stars and Bruins are gambling that these young netminders will continue to improve and play at an elite level for the majority of their contracts.

The $8.25 million AAV for both goalies reflects the rising cost of goaltending in the NHL. As more teams recognize the importance of stability in net, young goaltenders like Oettinger and Swayman are becoming more valuable assets. In the current landscape, these deals might even look like bargains in a few years, especially if the salary cap continues to rise.

Final Thoughts

Jake Oettinger’s eight-year, $66 million extension with the Dallas Stars and Jeremy Swayman’s identical contract with the Boston Bruins signify a shift in how NHL teams are approaching goaltending. Both netminders are young, talented, and poised to be cornerstones of their respective franchises for years to come. By committing to them long-term, both Dallas and Boston are ensuring that they have stability in one of the most important positions on the ice, giving them the foundation to compete for championships.

In a league where goaltending can make or break a season, the Stars and Bruins have made calculated, forward-thinking decisions to lock up their future in net. Both teams are betting big on Oettinger and Swayman—and all signs point to those bets paying off in the long run.