Written by the Dallas Stars Staff at Stars.com
Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today at PM Standley Motorcars Party In The Parkthat the team has signed captain Jamie Benn to an eight-year, $76,000,000 contract extension (average annual value of $9,500,000), which will run through the 2024-25 season.
Benn, 26, finished the 2015-16 season ranked second in the NHL and first on the Stars with 89 points (41-48=89) in 82 regular-season games. He also shared second in the NHL in power play goals (17) and ranked third in goals (41), posting new career highs in each category. Benn appeared in all 82 games during the regular season, marking the second consecutive season and the third time in his career that he’s appeared in all 82 contests. During the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Benn finished tied for 14th in the League and led the Stars with 15 points (5-10=15) in 13 postseason contests. He also finished tied for 11th in the NHL with 10 assists in the playoffs, while his six-game point streak was tied for the second-longest in the League during the postseason.
“The Stars are the only organization I know and Dallas is home to me,” said Benn. “In working with the Gaglardi family and Jim Nill, they have made it clear that they are dedicated to winning, and winning the right way. I’m happy to commit to that process for eight more years. My teammates and I value the passion and dedication that we receive from Stars fans and we’re looking forward to getting this season started.”
The seven-year NHL veteran has amassed 448 career points (192-256=448) in 508 regular-season games, all as a member of the Dallas Stars. Benn currently ranks 10th in Stars franchise history with 192 career goals, while he shares seventh in team history with 30 game-winning goals and ranks fourth with 10 shorthanded tallies. He has also made two appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording 20 points (9-11=20) in 19 career postseason games.
“Jamie has evolved into one of the most complete players in the NHL and his ability to lead our team is second-to-none,” said Nill. “He impacts the game in so many ways and this signing was extremely important for the direction of the franchise. He’s shown in the playoffs, and at international events like the Olympics and the World Championship, that he is up to any challenge and that his fingerprints will be left on every game. He’s our leader and does things the right way, every day.”
The captain became the first player in team history to win the Art Ross Trophy as the League’s top point scorer after recording an NHL-best 87 points (35-52=87) during the 2014-15 regular season. Benn is also the first player in Stars franchise history to have been named to NHL’s First All-Star Team, earning the nod twice in his career in 2013-14 and 2015-16. He was also named to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team in 2014-15. A finalist for the 2016 Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, Benn has made two All-Star Game appearances in 2011-12 and 2015-16.
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