Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn is set to undergo surgery following a collapsed lung sustained during an NHL preseason game against the Minnesota Wild. This unfortunate incident occurred late in the third period, as confirmed by the Stars’ general manager, Jim Nill. Benn is anticipated to make a full recovery, but he will be sidelined for the opening of the regular season, with a re-evaluation planned in four weeks.
Benn, who is entering his 17th season with the Stars and has served as their captain since the 2013-14 season, recently signed a one-year contract that could earn him up to $4 million, inclusive of potential performance bonuses. Despite the injury setback, his recent performance remains notable. Last season, Benn scored 49 points in 80 games and stands second in franchise history with 956 points accumulated over 1,192 games.
With the season scheduled to begin on October 9 against the Winnipeg Jets, Benn’s absence will be felt profoundly by the Stars. However, the team remains optimistic about his return later in October and hopes for a quick recovery to bring their leader back to the ice.
While this is a challenging moment for Benn and the Stars, it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the leadership and scoring gap. The shift in dynamics might provide a chance for the younger talents to showcase their skills, ensuring that the team remains competitive until their captain rejoins. The Stars and their fans look forward to Benn’s return and the continuation of his influential role both on and off the ice.