Jake Oettinger has been a popular goalie in the league, since his performance in Game 7 against the firepower of the Calgary Flames, making 64 saves that night. Oettinger has also yet to come to an agreement on a new contract with the Dallas Stars. His performance was so impressive it caught the eyes of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.
I'm not sure Kent Hughes went with the correct assessment, as Carey Price is still on the outs, and maybe headed for an early retirement, despite ongoing treatments. It is commendable, but if I were Hughes, with the Dallas Stars contract fumble, I'd take advantage of the situation.
It ultimately took Johnny Gaudreau to put a stake in Oettinger's Game 7. Oettinger plays at a high level in the playoffs and has kinks in his game to work out, but with a great coach, I don't see why he can't get better, especially at a discount.
That being said, Oettinger's raise is a huge issue for the Stars, as they have to fit Oettinger and Robertson under their cap right now.
Oettinger's issue is the lack of comparables, despite his great performance and he may end up with $4 million AAV with the right team, but for now as an RFA he lacks arbitration rights and is stuck under Nill's bad decision making.
