Jakob Oettinger, known as Jake Oettinger, is an accomplished American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Dallas Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL). His journey began with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he showcased his exceptional skills and was recognized as a top prospect for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The Dallas Stars selected him in the first round, 26th overall, marking the start of a promising professional career.
Oettinger made a significant impact during his collegiate career at Boston University, where he played for two seasons. In his freshman year, he achieved an impressive 2.11 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage, earning multiple accolades including Hockey East Goaltender of the Month and a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. His sophomore season saw him lead the Terriers to a Hockey East Tournament title, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, further solidifying his reputation as a standout goaltender.
In March 2019, Oettinger signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars and began his professional career with their AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars. He quickly made his mark, earning his first NHL call-up in March 2020 and debuting in the playoffs later that year. His performance during the 2021-22 season was particularly noteworthy, as he played a crucial role in the Stars’ playoff run, leading all goaltenders in save percentage during the first round.
Oettinger continued to impress in the 2022-23 season, signing a lucrative three-year contract with the Stars. His early season performance included a remarkable .960 save percentage, showcasing his growth and potential as a top-tier goaltender. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to improvement, Oettinger is poised to become a cornerstone of the Dallas Stars and a prominent figure in the NHL for years to come.