Casey DeSmith’s new two-year extension gives the Stars another reason to feel settled as they head into Stars vs Predators on Saturday night. Dallas are already built around a strong goaltending structure, and DeSmith’s new deal only strengthens that tandem with Jake Oettinger.
Earlier in the week, DeSmith signed the extension that keeps him in Dallas through the 2028-29 season on a $2.5 million AAV. It is a clear sign the Stars value what he brings, both on and off the ice, and they now move into the second night of the season with that continuity in place.
Glen Gulutzan was straightforward about why the move matters. “I think it’s huge, because if you’re not giving up goals, then you’re in every game,” he said. “It’s a big part of who we are.”
Why DeSmith matters to Dallas
DeSmith is set to start on Saturday, which adds another layer to the story. This is his third season with the Stars, and the extension suggests Dallas see him as an important piece of the wider plan rather than just a short-term backup option.
Gulutzan called it “a tremendous signing for us,” while also stressing DeSmith’s presence in the dressing room. “He’s so respected in that locker room,” he said. “There’s not a man who didn’t want him in that locker room.”
That kind of internal belief matters, especially for a team trying to keep its structure strong over a long season. Jake Oettinger was equally direct in his praise. “He deserves it more than anyone,” he said. “He’s a great teammate, great friend and great goalie partner.”
DeSmith also made it clear the extension was something he wanted. “It was something that I had talked to them about wanting to stay,” he 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.”
Robertson and Josi add to the matchup storyline
The hockey reasons to watch Stars vs Predators are strong as well. Jason Robertson enters with 96 points in 82 regular-season games, and his production against Nashville has been especially notable: 30 career points in 27 games, along with six points in his last five games against the Predators since April 3, 2025.
Nashville can point to Roman Josi, who had 55 points in 68 games played in the 2025-26 season and scored his first goal of the season against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. Josi’s 1,031 career games, 780 career points and 576 career assists underline why he remains such a central figure for the Predators.
So while DeSmith’s extension is the headline behind the scenes, the matchup itself still carries the usual weight. Dallas arrive with stability in goal, Nashville have a veteran leader in Josi, and both sides have players capable of shaping the night.
For the Stars, the important part is simple: DeSmith is secured long term, Oettinger remains part of a trusted tandem, and Dallas can keep moving forward with a clearer sense of what their goaltending future looks like.
