Stars backup goaltender Anton Khudobin has been a huge pickup since Dallas signed the veteran to a two-year, $5 million contract back in 2018. However, with that contract wrapping up, Khudobin has made it clear he’d like to remain with the Stars. However, the Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks writes that might not be as easy as it sounds.
To begin, his NHL leading .930 save percentage (albeit in 30 games) would likely prompt a raise from the $2.5 million per season he’s making now. The best comparison would be his former home where backup Jaroslav Halak just got a $2.25 million one-year deal with a $1.25 million bonus if he plays 10 games in 2020-21. However, Khudobin is 34 years old and isn’t eligible for performance bonuses on his next contract, making it more challenging considering the Stars' cap issues.
Another problem is that Khudobin would likely get more than a one-year deal on the open market. And with top goaltending prospect Jake Oettinger close to being ready to being a backup to Ben Bishop (likely in 2021-22), the Stars might not want to stand in the youngster’s way, meaning Dallas might not want to bring Khudobin back on anything more than a one-year pact.
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