What kind of grades did the elder Benn earn for the 2015-2016 season?
Jordie Benn and the Dallas Stars have serious history. Despite going undrafted, Jordie was signed by the Stars for the 11-12 season, playing for both the Allen Americans and Texas Stars in preceding seasons, and has been manning the blue line in Dallas ever since. At 6’2 and 200 lbs, Jordie is one of the stockier, larger defensemen on the roster and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around.
Regular Season Recap
In 64 games for the Dallas Stars this season, Benn scored 3 goals (2 of which were game winners) and notched 9 assists. In that time, he’s also posted 90 hits, 94 blocks, and 21 penalty minutes. When watching Jordie play, for some reason the penalty minutes always seem to stand out more.
Oftentimes the black sheep of the Dallas Stars family, Benn seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and sometimes with steep consequences. However, when put into perspective, the captain’s brother does hold his own, averaging about 15:39 minutes on the ice per game.
He is a decent defender and is always behind his teammates 100%. And let’s not forget that strange phenomenon where Jamie seems to play better hockey with his brother on the ice.
Playoff Recap
Jordie ended up surrendering much of his post-season ice time to Stephen Johns as a scratch, but did play one playoff game for the Stars this season. He finished with a +2 rating, having served 4 minutes in the penalty box.
Contract Situation
The eldest Benn is one of four Dallas Stars defensemen set to become a UFA very shortly. His contract that is up this summer allots a salary of $850,000. With a cap hit of $700,000, Jordie would be one of the easier pickups out of Russell, Demers, and Goligoski.
But there are definitely factors to consider. Jordie is a veteran Star, which can be a positive factor. However, with so many young, talented players coming up through the organization, the Dallas Stars may decide it’s time to part ways with Jordie and give the new defensemen their chance.
But considering who else the Stars decide to keep and who they let go, they may want to retain an “old timer.” Speaking of which, Benn is only 28, with room and ability for improvement.
While it’s maybe less of a factor than it would seem, the Stars must also consider whether or not there would be indirect consequences from separating the Benn brothers in the quality of the younger Benn’s play. You never know.
It seems to me that the Dallas Stars would be wise to renegotiate terms with Jordie, as he is a solid defenseman comfortable with the organization that the Stars would be able to retain relatively cheaply.
Although there are reasons to want to keep the other UFA defensemen as well, they might require larger sums, whereas the necessary amount to resign Jordie might fall more in line with the Stars’ budget after renegotiating other front-and-center players’ contracts as well.
Next: Dallas Stars Four UFA Defensemen Force Difficult Choice
Bottom Line
Whatever the popularity of this opinion may be, here it is anyway: the Dallas Stars should try to keep Jordie Benn. At 28, he has many good years of hockey left. And that’s exactly what he plays: good hockey. He has his downfalls and can sometimes appear to have the worst luck in the world, but he plays with endurance and heart, and is not afraid to take one (or two or seven) for his team.
In an organization that emphasizes leadership, those are important qualities to bring into the dressing room. Since Jordie’s price will fit well into what may become a slightly snug salary cap, the Dallas Stars should keep him in the family and continue to integrate him into a growing and improving defense.