Goalie Oettinger, from the Stars team, expresses hopes to find humor in the way last season concluded. Previous coach DeBoer admits to having one lingering regret.
In a significant move for the Dallas Stars, both goalie Jake Oettinger and forward Mikko Rantanen have signed eight-year contract extensions, kicking off this season. The deals come as the team reflects on a challenging 2021-2022 playoff run.
Oettinger, drafted 26th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Stars, was chosen 39th overall by the same team in the same draft - forward Jason Robertson. Oettinger's contract extension is worth $66 million, a testament to the faith the team has in his potential.
The 2021-2022 playoffs saw a few setbacks for Oettinger. In Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, he was quickly pulled from the game, which ended in a 6-3 loss for the Stars. The decision to pull Oettinger was made by then-coach Pete DeBoer, 7:09 into the game.
DeBoer, who was subsequently fired eight days after the season-ending loss, has shown mixed feelings about his decision. He acknowledges that Oettinger had lost six of his previous seven playoff games against the Oilers but commends the young goalie's work ethic off the ice and his desire to improve.
Rantanen, a trade deadline acquisition last March, has been vocal about his belief in Oettinger's abilities. He believes Oettinger is a top-three goalie in the league and commends the goalie's dedication to improving his game.
Despite the setbacks, Rantanen and Oettinger are both looking forward to the future. The only two playoff games Oettinger did not start were during the pandemic-impacted 2020 season. In 65 playoff games, Oettinger has a record of 32-30, a save percentage of .912, and a goals against average of 2.56.
In the regular season, Oettinger has a strong record of 149-66-27, a save percentage of .912, and a goals against average of 2.52 in 251 games.
As the Dallas Stars gear up for the 2025-2026 NHL season, general manager Jim Nill will be at the helm. DeBoer, who regrets the postgame narrative following the team's elimination, still has no reservations about pulling Oettinger but believes that all parties, including himself, are to blame for the team's failure to win.
Miro Heiskanen, who was selected 3rd overall in the same draft as Robertson and Oettinger, will continue to be a key player for the Stars as they strive for playoff success. With Rantanen and Oettinger secured for the long term, the future looks promising for the Dallas Stars.
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