Jamie Benn Extends Legacy in Dallas with One-Year Deal as Stars Captain Commits to 17th Season

A Beloved Captain Stays Home

In a move that solidifies his legendary status with the franchise, longtime Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn has signed a one-year contract extension to remain with the team for the 2025–26 NHL season. At 35, Benn may not have the same scoring touch he once did, but his leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication make him irreplaceable in the Stars locker room.

The new deal is heavily incentive-based, with a modest $1 million base salary. However, if Benn hits all of his performance bonuses, the contract could total up to $4 million. He stands to earn $500,000 at each of the 20, 30, 50, and 60-game marks in the regular season, with additional bonuses if the team reaches ($500,000) or wins ($500,000) the Stanley Cup Final.

A Franchise Pillar Since Day One

Since being drafted by Dallas in 2007, Benn has become the face of the franchise. He has spent his entire NHL career with the Stars, and this latest contract will mark his 17th season with the team. As Dallas navigates through tight salary cap constraints—highlighted by the recent trade of forward Mason Marchment and future uncertainty around star winger Jason Robertson—Benn’s return was never in question.

“He bleeds green,” said teammate Matt Duchene, who recently re-signed with Dallas on a four-year, $18 million contract. “Jamie Benn is the type of player you build statues for. His presence in this room, his influence on and off the ice, you can’t replace that. He’s one of the greatest to ever wear a Dallas Stars jersey.”

Enduring Presence, Evolving Role

Benn’s 2024–25 season saw him post 16 goals and 33 assists over 80 games, a noticeable dip from his career-best performances but still a solid contribution. In the playoffs, however, he struggled, registering just three points in 18 games as the Stars fell in the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year.

Despite the dip in production, Benn’s durability and work ethic remain impressive. He has missed only two games in the past four seasons, a remarkable feat for a player known for his physical style of play. Just two seasons ago, he experienced a resurgence, notching 33 goals and 45 assists.

His career numbers speak for themselves: 399 goals, 956 points, and an Art Ross Trophy under his belt from the 2014–15 season when he led the league in scoring with 87 points.

Commitment Was Never in Doubt

After Dallas was eliminated from the postseason, Benn was characteristically brief when asked about his future.

Had he considered what comes next? “No.”
Did he want to stay in Dallas? “Yep.”
Did he think it would happen? “Yep.”

Later, on locker cleanout day, Benn opened up more, expressing his deep-rooted connection to the franchise and the city.

“This is all I know,” he said. “I don’t see myself going anywhere else. Hopefully we can get something figured out.”

Stars general manager Jim Nill echoed that sentiment, citing Benn’s age-35 status and the NHL’s contract structure as tools to make the deal work within the team’s tight cap situation.

“He wants to be here,” Nill said. “And with the way over-35 contracts are structured, we have flexibility.”

Stars Eye Offseason Moves Despite Cap Pressure

Dallas remains pressed against the salary cap, even after offloading Marchment’s contract. Yet Nill may still be active in free agency, determined to break through the conference final wall that has halted the team’s championship ambitions.

While big changes might be coming, one thing is certain: Jamie Benn isn’t going anywhere.

His return ensures the Stars retain their heart and soul—an iconic captain who has led by example for nearly two decades and still has more to give.