Dallas Stars sign Jamie Benn to eight-year extension
The Dallas Stars on Friday signed captain Jamie Benn to an eight-year contract extension, worth $76 million through the 2024-25 season, the team announced.
Jamie Benn’s new contract carries an annual average value of $9.5 million. The deal was announced just one day after Benn underwent surgery to repair an abdominal muscle injury. He is expected to make a full recovery within six weeks.
“The Stars are the only organization I know and Dallas is home to me,” Benn said in a statement. “In working with the Gaglardi family and Jim Nill, they have made it clear that they are dedicated to winning, and winning the right way. I’m happy to commit to that process for eight more years. My teammates and I value the passion and dedication that we receive from Stars fans and we’re looking forward to getting this season started.”
The 26-year-old finished last season ranked second in the NHL and first on the Stars with 89 points, suiting up for all 82 regular-season games. The iron man streak has lasted for two consecutive seasons, and Benn has played all 82 games on the schedule three times in his career.
Benn was awarded with the Art Ross trophy for his efforts during the 2014-15 season, his 84 points that season paced the league.
He also shared the rank of second in the league with 17 power play goals and finished ranked third league-wide with 41 goals overall. The totals were career-highs in each category.
During the postseason, Benn continued the trend of pacing scoring for his team, finishing the campaign with 15 points. His six-game point streak during the playoffs was tied for second-longest in the league.
“Jamie has evolved into one of the most complete players in the NHL and his ability to lead our team is second-to-none,” general manager Jim Nill said in a statement. “He impacts the game in so many ways and this signing was extremely important for the direction of the franchise. He’s shown in the playoffs, and at international events like the Olympics and the World Championship, that he is up to any challenge and that his fingerprints will be left on every game. He’s our leader and does things the right way, every day.”
While the time frame for his aforementioned procedure means Benn will be ready in time for the beginning of next year’s NHL season, it calls into question whether or not he can appear in the World Cup of Hockey for Team Canada.
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