The Dallas Stars secured their longtime captain Jamie Benn to a one-year contract extension on Thursday, a move that keeps the veteran forward with the team as they prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season. This agreement, which includes a $1 million base salary along with up to $3 million in performance bonuses, allows Benn to continue building on his remarkable career legacy in Dallas while giving the Stars flexibility to adjust their roster this offseason.
Known for his leadership and consistent play, Benn’s contract extension Dallas Stars signals the organization’s confidence in his ability to guide the team towards their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
Overcoming Odds: From a Fifth-Round Pick to Franchise Icon
It is rare for players selected as late as the fifth round of the NHL Draft to carve out lengthy and impactful careers, making Jamie Benn’s story particularly extraordinary. Unlike early-round picks who are often seen as surefire talents, fifth-round prospects face significant challenges in reaching the NHL level and sustaining success over multiple seasons.
To put Benn’s achievements in perspective, the Stars have drafted eighteen players in the fifth round since 2011, but only three—Jacob Peterson, Nick Caamano, and Riley Damiani—have ever appeared in NHL games, and all played overseas last season. Benn, selected in 2007, stands apart as the franchise’s most accomplished fifth-rounder.
His perseverance and skill have elevated him beyond typical expectations associated with his draft position, positioning him as a rare model of longevity and excellence for players picked late in the draft.
Contract Details and Organizational Impact
The terms of Benn’s extension offer the Stars both continuity and financial flexibility. The base salary of $1 million combined with potential bonuses up to $3 million encourages Benn’s performance while freeing up salary cap space to pursue further roster improvements in free agency. General manager Jim Nill highlighted Benn’s integral role in the team.
“Jamie embodies everything it means to be a Dallas Star, and has since he was drafted 18 years ago,” —Jim Nill, Dallas Stars GM
“There was never a doubt that Jamie would return next season, and we are thrilled for both our organization and our fans that he will continue to lead our team in our pursuit of winning a championship.” —Jim Nill, Dallas Stars GM
This contract affirms Benn’s continued leadership as the Stars aim to build on recent postseason runs and take the next step toward NHL glory.
Benn’s Legacy and Leadership Role within the Team
Before this extension, there was speculation about whether Benn might retire following the Stars’ loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final. Approaching his 36th birthday and facing free agency for the first time since 2012, uncertainty surrounded his future. Benn dispelled these rumors during exit interviews, expressing his intention to remain in Dallas.
“I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
“This is all I know. I came in as a young kid and now I’m getting a little older here. I love the city, I love the fans, I love this organization and I love my teammates.” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
Jim Nill echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Benn’s irreplaceable presence on the roster.
“As long as I’m the GM, Benn will be a Star.” —Jim Nill, Dallas Stars GM
With 12 seasons as team captain—more than any other player in franchise history—and his ability to inspire both on and off the ice, Benn remains the cornerstone of the Stars’ locker room.
“I just try to lead by example by doing the right things all the time,” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
“I got to learn from a lot of great leaders and older veterans. I got to learn from great people. It starts at the top with Jim Nill who is always preaching to do the right things. I like to think that I care about my players and just try to guide them in the right direction.” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
Career Milestones and Franchise Records
Jamie Benn’s career achievements place him among the elite five-round draft picks in NHL history. Having played 1,192 games, he ranks second only to Ray Ferraro’s 1,258 in that category, a milestone Benn is expected to surpass with another healthy season. His 956 career points and 399 goals also rank near the top among fifth-round selections, trailing only Alexander Mogilny in points and a few others in goals.
Within the Dallas franchise, Benn stands second only to iconic player Mike Modano in games played, goals, and points. He is also the only player in franchise history to win the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer, accomplished during the 2014-15 season. Benn is one of just four Dallas Stars players to have scored 40 goals or more in a single campaign since the team relocated in 1993.
Memorable Moments and On-Ice Persona
Since debuting in October 2009, Benn has created countless memorable moments for Stars fans and hockey enthusiasts alike. Beyond his scoring prowess and competitive drive, Benn has demonstrated toughness by engaging in battles with legends such as Joe Thornton, Jarome Iginla, and towering defensemen like Nikita Zadorov and Josh Anderson.
His playing style and personality have inspired nicknames like “Beast Mode” and the “Bennaisance,” while his on-ice antics have provided broadcasters unique opportunities to coin unforgettable phrases.
Focus on the Stanley Cup and Future Aspirations
Despite his numerous accolades, the Stanley Cup has eluded Benn throughout his career. With his contract now secured, both he and the Dallas Stars are setting sights firmly on capturing hockey’s ultimate prize in the 2025-26 season. Having reached the Western Conference Final three years in a row—and fallen short each time—Benn is determined to break the cycle.
“That’s the goal around here,” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
“It’s all about winning. We’ve been to the same spot three years in a row and it’s about how can we make that next step to get to the Finals. We’re tired of losing in the Western Conference Final.” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
He acknowledged the need for the team to elevate their game and maintain progress without regressing.
“There obviously needs to be another gear,” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
“We haven’t taken that step in three years. We obviously don’t want to take a step backwards, and we haven’t been doing that. It’s about what can we do to take that next step now. It’s on us players to talk about it over the summer and make sure we’re all doing the right things over the next couple of months here to make sure we do take the next step next year.” —Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars captain
Legacy Continues in Dallas and Beyond
Coming from Victoria, British Columbia, Benn’s journey from a fifth-round pick to the face of the Dallas Stars exemplifies tenacity and talent combined with leadership and dedication. Now entering his seventeenth season in Dallas, Benn’s extension not only represents a personal milestone but also reinforces the team’s core as they prepare for another run at the Stanley Cup.
His continued presence offers fans and teammates alike a source of inspiration and stability, traits the Stars hope will help translate into NHL championship success in the near future.