Jake Oettinger is on the verge of NHL history with milestone win in sight

At only 251 career games, Oettinger could soon join a very exclusive list of U.S.-born goaltenders who hit that mark faster than almost anyone in NHL history.

Oettinger's current record stands at 149-66-27, and he enters the 2025-26 season on the brink of matching names like Frank Brimsek, Ryan Miller, and Connor Hellebuyck. Brimsek holds the fastest record, reaching 150 wins in only 258 games, but Oettinger has a chance to beat that milestone by a full seven games.

The chart from NHL Public Relations shows just how rare this accomplishment is. Only a handful of American goalies have managed to get to 150 wins in under 300 games, and all of them went on to have respected NHL careers.

Oettinger's name is about to be etched alongside Miller, Jonathan Quick, Mike Richter, and Tim Thomas, players who not only reached milestones but also carried their teams deep into playoff runs.

For Dallas, it is another sign of the foundation they have built in net. The Stars have developed their young core with Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and Miro Heiskanen, but Oettinger remains the anchor that makes it all possible.

He already played a central role in the Stars' runs to the Conference Finals, and now, he is making history at a pace few expected.

What stands out most is the consistency he has shown. NHL.com points out that Oettinger already owns a career save percentage over .915, and if he continues at this pace, he could eventually challenge U.S. goaltending legends like Miller and Quick not only in wins but in career longevity.

Even Sportsnet analysts recently highlighted that Dallas may have one of the best goalie situations in the league heading into 2025-26, with Oettinger entering his prime years.

As a fan, I think it is impressive that Oettinger is rewriting the record book while still in his mid-20s. This kind of stability is rare, and it shows how the Stars' championship window is far from closed.

The Stars open the new season with Oettinger in line to become the fastest U.S.-born goalie ever to reach 150 wins. If he gets that first victory quickly, it will not only add another line to the record books but also send a message to the league that Dallas remains one of the toughest teams to beat.