Canadian team considered offer sheeting Jake Oettinger

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Joshua Deeds
August 13, 2022 (10:00)

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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.

"If Kent Hughes wasn't stuck with the Carey Price contract, he would have already submitted a HOSTILE BID to Oettinger" says TSN 690...

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.

Jake Oettinger's 64-save performance was the stuff of legend. The 23-year-old entered the playoffs as an unknown to many but came out of it as a household name. He did everything he could to keep the Stars afloat in their decisive Game 7 against the Flames, including a 24-save effort in the second period alone.

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.

The Montreal Canadiens could do a lot with goalie Carey Price's $10.5 million cap hit. The trick is getting it off the books. That may be easier said than done, but it's a scenario worth considering, especially for the possibilities it opens up for general manager Kent Hughes heading into the offseason.

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.