Could Jake Oettinger take over the Dallas Stars starting role?

The Dallas Stars had a goaltending problem heading into the new season, having 4 NHL-ready goalies. The situation got a little less difficult with the abrupt retirement of Ben Bishop, who retired due to knee problems.

That leaves the Stars, currently 13-10-2 for 28 points and 11 points behind the Minnesota Wild, with 3 goaltenders. They do have options to get that number to 2.

Braden Holtby signed a 1-year deal with the Stars and has a record of 5-5 with a 2.42 GAA and a save % of .923, playing well in a backup role. The 32-year-old has played in 502 NHL games, has 35 shutouts, 294 wins, is a 5-time all-star, a 2017-18 Stanley Cup champion, while also recording a career 2.58 GAA and a .915 save %.

Anton Khudobin,35 years old, has a contract with the Stars until the 2022-23 season and so far has a record of 3-3 with a 3.73 GAA and a .873 save % this season. In 257 career NHL games, he has 114 wins, a 2.50 GAA, and a .916 save %.

Jake Oettinger is 22 years old and has a Stars contract until the end of the 2021-22 season. The 6-foot-5 and 220-pound netminder was a first-round choice (26th overall) and this season has a 5-1 record with a 1.52 GAA and a .951 save %.

The most likely scenario is that the Stars keep Oettinger and Holtby as their goaltending duo for the rest of the season and re-sign them during the off-season. Trade Khudobin for some picks or younger assets to keep building the foundation.

Holtby is a future Hall-of-Famer who is still playing at an all-star level. Oettinger is 22 years old and playing out of his mind.

Oettinger Jake Oettinger has established himself as the Stars’ best goaltender amid a hot streak (dallasnews.com) most likely has the starting job until he completely falters. Holtby seems to be comfortable being the backup for the time being.

Holtby has a Hall-of-Fame resume and, at 32, is still playing capable hockey. Oettinger is the future of the franchise and is showing he belongs in the league.

Do the Stars in fact trade Khudobin then? With no room to play him then it would be wise to let him go to an organization where he can have playing time since there is no room for him at the moment.

Holtby has been and will continue to be a great mentor for the young Oettinger. He has the experience, has won a Cup, and seen things that he could relate to the young star.

Ride the season with Oettinger and Holtby as your duo. What would you do as general manager of the Stars?