The Dallas Stars just locked in their captain for another year. Jamie Benn signed a one-year extension worth $850,000 in base salary, with another $1.15 million available in performance bonuses. Owen Newkirk of DLLS Sports broke the news.
That’s a bargain for a guy who’s been the face of the franchise for over a decade. Benn was drafted 129th overall in 2007, and he’s been with Dallas ever since. He debuted in 2009-10 and put up 22 goals and 19 assists in 82 games. Since then he’s won the Art Ross Trophy, been named an All-Star twice, and become the longest-tenured captain in Stars history. He took the ‘C’ ahead of the 2013-14 season and hasn’t let it go.
His numbers have slipped. Last year he had 36 points with only 15 goals. But the man still matters in that room. He’s played 1,252 games for Dallas, scoring 414 goals and adding 578 assists. That’s second in franchise goals behind Mike Modano. He’s also third in assists but could pass Neal Broten for second this season. And he’s closing in on 1,000 career points. Only one other player in franchise history has hit that mark while wearing a Stars sweater.
What This Contract Means
The Stars had a weird offseason. They tried to trade Jason Robertson but couldn’t make it work. They also attempted to bring in Zach Werenski and came up empty. So bringing back Benn on a cheap deal feels like a win by default, but it’s also a genuine move. The guy is 35 years old. He’s not what he was. But he’s still the guy in the locker room.
And the bonus structure gives him a chance to earn more if he bounces back. That’s smart. Low risk, potential reward. The team gets to keep its captain without wrecking the cap, and Benn gets to chase 1,000 points and climb the franchise record books. He’s already one of the greatest Stars ever. This deal just adds another chapter.
The real question is whether he can stay healthy and productive enough to hit those bonuses. But for $850,000 guaranteed, Dallas didn’t have to think twice.
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