The Dallas Stars kept their longest-tenured leader in the fold Friday, re-signing captain Jamie Benn to a one-year contract. The agreement carries an $850,000 base cap hit and includes up to $1.15 million in potential performance bonuses tied to games played and playoff milestones.
Benn, 36, has spent his entire 17-season career with the Stars organization. He notched 15 goals and 21 assists for 36 points in 60 games last season, overcoming a mid-year injury. He was held without a point in the club's six-game first-round playoff exit against Minnesota.
General manager Jim Nill emphasized that Benn's leadership and commitment remain the backbone of the team, saying the captain continues to set the standard both on and off the ice. The Stars viewed bringing Benn back as a priority even as they navigated a tight salary cap situation.
The captain sits behind only Mike Modano in franchise history for games played, goals, and points. His career total of 992 points across 1,252 regular-season games leaves him just eight shy of the 1,000-point milestone heading into next season.
Benn's return comes after the Stars traded Mavrik Bourque and Ilya Lyubushkin to Nashville to free cap room. The organization continues working toward a new contract for Jason Robertson, whose asking price is reportedly in the $12 to $14 million annual range.
