First Shift 🏒
Casey DeSmith is in a good place.
He’s coming off a fantastic preseason showing, just signed a two-year contract extension and will get to start a game on the second night of the season. Not too shabby for a backup goalie.
DeSmith, 35, has found a home in Dallas as he and Jake Oettinger have formed one of the best crease combinations in the league. DeSmith went 15-8-6 last season to complement Oettinger’s 35-12-6. He had a lower GAA (2.43 to 2.59) and a higher save percentage (.907 to .899) than the Dallas starter, and that helped greatly in the Stars finishing second overall in goals against.
“I think it’s huge, because if you’re not giving up goals, then you’re in every game,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “It’s a big part of who we are.”
DeSmith is entering his third season with the Stars and also signed a two-year contract extension (with a $2.5 million AAV) earlier in the week. The new deal keeps him in Dallas through the 2028-29 season.
“It was something that I had talked to them about wanting to stay,” DeSmith said. “There's a lot to figure out from their perspective. Then they finally reached out, and we were able to come to an agreement. It was something that came together really smoothly, which was good.”
Gulutzan and Oettinger were both excited about the security for the position.
“It’s a tremendous signing for us,” Gulutzan said. “He’s so respected in that locker room. There’s not a man who didn’t want him in that locker room.”
While Oettinger added: “He deserves it more than anyone. He’s a great teammate, great friend and great goalie partner. I couldn’t be happier for him and pumped that we can keep it going for another three years.”
DeSmith has helped lower the wear and tear on Oettinger and has done it in a quiet, but confident manner. Asked if he wants more games, he shrugged and said he just wants to help.
“I have no control over how many games I play,” he said. “I want to support Jake and win games for this team, but I don’t have much control. So I just try to do my best when I’m in there. That’s the best mindset to have. So I just try to be someone the team can depend on when I am in there.”
Gulutzan said the fact he conducts himself as a pro helps every day.
“He’s competitive. Not that competitive you see on the surface, but right under the surface. It’s a slow burn,” Gulutzan said. “That helps in the situation he’s in, how he practices, how he gets fired up. I’d say that’s his greatest attribute.”
