**Dallas Stars Secure Goalie Jake Oettinger with Eight-Year, $66 Million Extension**

FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Stars have inked a substantial deal with their star goaltender, Jake Oettinger. The 25-year-old has agreed to an eight-year contract extension valued at $66 million, set to commence in the 2025-26 season and extending through the 2032-33 season. This deal establishes an average annual value (AAV) of $8.25 million.

Oettinger has built an impressive record over his 196 regular-season games with the Stars, boasting a 116-48-23 record, a .914 save percentage, a 2.49 goals-against average, and 11 shutouts. His stellar performance has also been evident in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he has a 23-22 record from 47 games, playing a crucial role in the Stars' three consecutive postseason appearances and their journeys to the Western Conference Final in 2023 and 2024.

Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill praised Oettinger’s exceptional qualities, stating, "Jake has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL." Nill commended Oettinger's blend of poise, size, athleticism, and mental toughness, which have significantly contributed to the team's success. Besides his on-ice prowess, Oettinger's leadership and community involvement off the ice were also highlighted by Nill.

Since debuting in the 2020-21 NHL season, Oettinger ranks among the top goalies, sitting sixth in wins (116), seventh in goals-against average (2.49), tied for 11th in save percentage (.914), and tied for 13th in shutouts (11). In the past three postseasons, his 23 playoff wins are matched only by Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers. Oettinger's efforts earned him a spot in the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto. Within the franchise, he stands eighth in wins, fourth in save percentage and goals-against average, and seventh in shutouts.

This season, Oettinger has showcased his elite form with a 3-0-0 record, a.948 save percentage, a 1.63 goals-against average, and one shutout. His three wins tie him for the league lead, and he ranks in the top five for both save percentage and goals-against average among goalies with at least two games played. Additionally, he has saved 4.6 goals above expected, tying with Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck for the third-highest mark in the NHL.

Before joining the NHL, Oettinger had a notable college career at Boston University, with a 58-40-11 record, a .923 save percentage, and a 2.34 goals-against average. His accolades include being named to the Hockey East All-Star and All-Rookie Teams in 2021 and earning the Hockey East Tournament MVP title.

Representing the United States, Oettinger competed in the 2017 and 2018 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2021 IIHF World Championship, winning a gold medal in 2017 and bronzes in 2018 and 2021. Drafted in the first round (26th overall) by the Stars in 2017, Oettinger has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the team's future.