Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn will return for an 18th season after signing a one-year contract on Friday. The deal carries an $850,000 base salary with up to $1.15 million in performance bonuses, keeping the franchise icon in the only NHL city he has ever known.
Benn, who turned 36 earlier this year, posted 36 points in 60 games last season, battling through an injury that cost him a fifth of the schedule. He scored 15 goals and added 21 assists, then was held off the scoresheet in a brief six-game playoff loss to the Minnesota Wild.
Stars general manager Jim Nill said Benn's leadership and commitment are truly unmatched and that he has helped define the organization's culture. Nill added that the captain continues to set the standard and the team is excited to have him leading the group for another season.
The contract solidifies Benn's legacy as one of the most durable and productive players in franchise history. He ranks second only to Mike Modano in games played, goals, and total points for the Stars and North Stars combined, with 992 points through 1,252 career appearances.
The signing followed a cap-clearing trade that sent Mavrik Bourque and Ilya Lyubushkin to Nashville for draft picks, a move designed to create flexibility for a potential Jason Robertson extension. Robertson is believed to be seeking upwards of $12 million per season on a long-term deal.
