The Dallas Stars enter another offseason disappointed.
Head coach Pete DeBoer guided them to three consecutive Western Conference Finals, but losses in each of those series contributed to his firing. While much of the Stars’ core (Miro Heiskanen, Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Esa Lindell, Jake Oettinger) is locked up long-term, they have a crucial decision to make on their captain, Jamie Benn.
Benn, 35, started to show the effects of playing such a physical brand for nearly two decades this postseason. He had just 1 goal and 2 assists over 18 games and did not look like the rampaging forward fans have come to love.
Dallas needs Benn’s toughness and battle-winning abilities to finally get over the hump. But, at what price?
Here is what Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic forecasted:
“A short deal closer to $4 million should be fine for the veteran, but anything approaching $5 million would likely be too much.”
Benn has also made his intentions of staying in Dallas clear:
“I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” he said, according to NHL.com. “This is all I know. Hopefully we can figure something out.”
The Stars also need to decide on unrestricted free agents such as forwards Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund, and Mavrik Bourque, and perhaps defenseman Cody Ceci. While those forwards all play meaningful roles for Dallas, none of them brings the leadership of Benn.
General Manager Jim Nill also has to think about Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley, both of whom are restricted free agents after the 2025-26 season. They are far younger, more talented, and more important to the franchise’s future success than Benn, but will also require major financial commitments.
Benn might not be his prime self any longer, but it is hard to believe that Dallas will break through without its captain.
He should be willing to take a hometown discount, and something in the three-year, $13 million total range feels appropriate for both sides.
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