It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. Training camps are in full swing and some deals are already being signed. Players may be just getting their first few practices under their belt. However, general managers have been active for much of the summer. Many executives have been working on signing key restricted free agents. This edition of NHL rumours looks at the Dallas Stars looking to do the same with one of their most important players.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Dallas Stars Already Planning for RFA Talks
Rumour: Brien Rea of Bally Sports Southwest said that the Stars are already planning ahead for contract talks for RFA goalie Jake Oettinger. He is pending RFA with arbitration rights at the end of the season.
Jake Oettinger is an RFA with arbitration rights after this year. Nill has not talked with him yet, but will. Acknowledged there’s a few other contracts out there that could shape the market more that have yet to be determined. #TexasHockey
— Brien Rea (@BrienRea) September 18, 2024
Analysis: Oettinger has become the bonafide starter for the Stars and General Manager Jim Nill wants to take care of his netminder. The 25-year-old is in the last year of a deal that makes $4 million. However, he’s going to likely cash in on a decent pay raise.
The Lakeville, Minn. native has been projected as a top five fantasy hockey goalie if he stays healthy. He’ll play an important part in Dallas’ challenge for the Stanley Cup.
However, Rea mentioned that Nill is looking to see how a few contracts play out before moving forward. Both Oettinger’s camp and the Stars haven’t gotten down to business. However, talks could begin in earnest once a few things fall into place.
What Are We Waiting On?
One of the key goalie contracts to keep an eye on is that of currently unsigned RFA goalie Jeremy Swayman. The Boston Bruins and the Alaska native are currently at a standstill when it comes to talks. However, a deal should eventually get figured out between the two sides. Conflicting reports have come out that Swayman wants $10 million.
Nill is probably wondering how Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney and Swayman will solve everything. This pending deal might set a number of Oettinger, who has been stellar for multiple seasons while Swayman has had one very good season.
New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin is an unrestricted free agent, but his deal is coming up at the end of this season. There’s little doubt that the Russian goalie will also get over $10 million. However, the main question is how much over will Blueshirts General Manager Chris Drury have to go. This deal could also set a marker when it comes to Oettinger.
A Star Effort
Nill also has to worry about a possible new contract for team captain Jamie Benn. Nill mentioned to Rea that he wants to keep the veteran forward in the fold. Dallas also has to pony up for Nils Lundqkvist if they want to keep him.
Stars fans know that keeping Oettinger will require a hefty chunk of change. However, Nill has been proactive at keeping this talented group together. Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell are locked up long-term. Thomas Harley was given a good-sized bridge deal.
This group has been mostly drafted and developed under the Stars’ banner. Nill will do all in his power to keep that group together because it could hold the winning formula.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
