Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn is currently sidelined on a day-to-day basis due to an upper-body injury, according to Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan. The injury appears to be minor, as Benn was held out of practice merely as a precaution. Entering his 17th NHL season, Benn is eager to rebound after a challenging 2024-25 season where his performance diminished, marked by a 16-goal, 33-assist showing.
Despite the team’s salary cap challenges, Benn demonstrated his commitment to the Stars by taking a substantial pay cut. He signed a one-year contract valued at $1 million, which includes potential performance bonuses up to $3 million. This contract underscores his dedication to the only NHL franchise he has played for, as well as his desire to continue leading as team captain.
The Dallas Stars have already kicked off their preseason with victories against the St. Louis Blues and the Minnesota Wild, achieved through a shootout and overtime, respectively. With four more preseason games on the horizon, the Stars are gearing up for their regular season opener on October 9, facing the Winnipeg Jets on the road.
Known as formidable contenders for the Stanley Cup, the Stars aim to overcome their postseason challenges this year. Despite consistently surpassing the 100-point threshold in the regular season over the past three years, they have stumbled in the Western Conference Final, falling short after initial playoff success.
Once Benn is fit to return, his presence will bolster the team’s forward depth, complementing an already impressive lineup of top-tier talent. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the Stars strive to maintain their competitive edge and achieve postseason glory.