American · Forestville, Canada · Born 18 December 1998American goaltender who has anchored the Dallas Stars' net since 2021, renowned for standout performances in deep playoff runs.
Jakob Donald Oettinger was born on 18 December 1998 in Lakeville, Minnesota, to Kateri and Chris Oettinger, and grew up idolising New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, whose calm, technical style inspired him to pursue the position himself from a young age. Oettinger developed through the USA Hockey National Team Development Program before playing college hockey at Boston University, and the Dallas Stars selected him in the first round, 26th overall, of the 2017 NHL Draft. Oettinger developed into one of the league's premier young goaltenders, renowned for his exceptional size at 6 feet 6 inches combined with athletic reflexes, helping lead the Stars to deep playoff runs including consecutive appearances in the Western Conference Final. Oettinger has continued to anchor Dallas's crease, representing the United States internationally, and remains one of the most highly regarded American-born goaltenders of his generation, having firmly established himself as a franchise cornerstone for the Stars organisation.
Dallas Stars' shutdown starting goaltender
How They Played
Oettinger is known for his exceptional size at 6'5" and athletic ability, using his reach and mobility to cover significant net area. He possesses strong fundamentals with excellent positioning and tracking, allowing him to make saves look routine. His calm demeanor and composure under pressure have made him effective in high-stakes situations.
Lasting Impact
Oettinger represents the modern NHL goaltender with his combination of size, athleticism, and technical skill, helping establish a new standard for the position.
Career Honours
- NHL All-Star (2024)
| Team | Period | GP | Goals | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | 2017–2024 | 137 | 0 | #29 |
| Boston University Terriers | 2017–2019 | 63 | — | — |
American Athletes