Jake Oettinger Bio
Jakob Donald Oettinger is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Dallas Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL). He developed his skills through collegiate hockey at Boston University and was a highly regarded prospect in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected 26th overall by the Dallas Stars.
Early Life and Background
Jakob Donald Oettinger was born on December 18, 1998, in Lakeville, Minnesota, to parents Chris and Kateri Oettinger. Growing up in Minnesota, a state known for its strong hockey culture, Oettinger was inspired by NHL goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, which motivated him to pursue a career as a goaltender. He attended Lakeville North High School, where he accelerated his academics and graduated in just over two years, demonstrating discipline and focus from a young age.
Following high school, Oettinger enrolled at Boston University College of Communication, balancing his academic pursuits with his athletic development. His early exposure to competitive hockey and strong academic background provided a solid foundation for his future professional career.
Path to Hockey
Oettinger’s path to professional hockey began with his commitment to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Juniors during the 2014–15 season after his freshman year of high school. He played two seasons with the USNTDP Juniors, a program known for developing elite American hockey talent. During this time, he committed to Boston University, where he would continue to hone his skills at the collegiate level.
His performance with the USNTDP and Boston University established him as a top goaltending prospect. This recognition culminated in his selection by the Dallas Stars in the first round, 26th overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, marking a significant milestone in his transition to professional hockey.
Jake Oettinger Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Oettinger signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on March 25, 2019, and was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Texas Stars, on an amateur tryout contract. In his initial AHL stint, he posted a .897 save percentage and a 3.34 goals-against average over eight games. His first NHL call-up came on March 3, 2020, as a backup during the Stanley Cup playoffs, where he served behind Anton Khudobin.
He made his NHL debut on September 8, 2020, entering in relief during the Western Conference Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights. This marked the beginning of his gradual establishment as a key player for the Dallas Stars.
Dallas Stars Breakthrough (2020–Present)
With injuries affecting the Stars’ goaltending roster, Oettinger became the backup goaltender for the 2020–21 season and made his regular-season debut in January 2021. Over the season, he made 24 starts and gradually surpassed Khudobin as the team’s starting goaltender, finishing with a .911 save percentage.
In the 2021–22 season, after starting in the AHL, Oettinger was called up due to injuries and quickly became the Stars’ starting goaltender. He posted a 30–15–1 record with a .914 save percentage, playing a crucial role in the Stars securing a playoff berth. His standout performance in the first round of the playoffs included a .954 save percentage and a memorable 64-save effort in a seven-game series against the Calgary Flames, the second-highest save total in NHL playoff history.
Oettinger signed a three-year, $12 million contract extension with the Stars in September 2022. The 2022–23 season saw him achieve a 37–11–11 record and a .919 save percentage, including his second career shutout during the playoffs. The Stars advanced to the conference finals before being eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights. Oettinger finished the playoffs with a 10–9–0 record and a 3.06 goals-against average.
During the 2023–24 season, Oettinger represented the Stars at the NHL All-Star Game and posted a 35–14–4 record with a .905 save percentage. He was instrumental in the Stars’ playoff run, helping them reach the conference finals. Early in the 2024–25 season, he earned his first shutout and signed an eight-year, $66 million contract extension, affirming his role as the franchise’s cornerstone goaltender.
Driving Style and Strengths
Oettinger is known for his size, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, which he uses effectively to cover the net. His agility and strong positional play complement his physical presence. He demonstrates composure under pressure and has developed a reputation for making high-volume saves in critical moments, particularly in playoff situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Oettinger’s signature moments was his 64-save performance in the 2022 playoffs against the Calgary Flames, marking the second-highest save total in NHL playoff history. His rapid ascent to starting goaltender for the Dallas Stars and subsequent contract extensions highlight his importance to the team and his status as one of the league’s promising young goaltenders.
Jake Oettinger Career Wins
Since beginning his professional career in 2019, Jake Oettinger has accumulated numerous wins with the Dallas Stars, establishing himself as the team’s primary goaltender. His consistent performance in both regular season and playoff games underscores his growing impact in the NHL.
Dallas Stars Highlights
Oettinger’s first NHL wins came during the 2020–21 season, where he quickly became a reliable presence in goal. His breakout season in 2021–22 included 30 regular-season wins and a standout playoff performance. He continued to build on this success in the 2022–23 season with 37 wins and multiple shutouts, playing a key role in the Stars’ deep playoff run.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to his NHL career, Oettinger achieved notable success in collegiate hockey with Boston University, earning accolades such as Hockey East Goaltender of the Month and contributing to a Hockey East Tournament title. These early achievements laid the groundwork for his professional success.
Jake Oettinger Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Jake Oettinger is the son of Chris and Kateri Oettinger. While there is no public record of a family history in professional hockey, his upbringing in Minnesota, a hockey-rich environment, and the support from his family have been integral to his development as an athlete.
Personal Life
Details about Oettinger’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Jake Oettinger remains the starting goaltender for the Dallas Stars, having signed a significant eight-year contract extension. Early in the season, he recorded his first shutout, setting a positive tone for the year. He was selected as one of the United States’ goaltenders for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, where he posted a .913 save percentage.
During the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, Oettinger helped the Stars advance through the first two rounds with a .918 save percentage, demonstrating his continued value in high-pressure situations. Although the Stars were eliminated in the conference finals, Oettinger’s performance solidified his status as a key player for the franchise moving forward.