3. Jamie Benn (2009-Present)
There is an argument that Jamie Benn deserves the #2 sport on our list. Benn began playing with the Stars in 2009 and has since become a leader in metrics and inside the locker room.
Jamie Benn ranks top 4 among Dallas Stars all-time leaders in games played, goals, assists, and points. The 3-time All Star was named team captain at age 24, following the departure of Brenden Morrow.
One would struggle to find a pair of seasons in Stars history that top Benn’s best in Dallas. His 87 points in 2014-15 earned him the Art Ross Trophy, an All Star selection, and Hart and Selke Trophy votes. Benn topped said point total by posting 89 points in 2015-16.
Benn’s offensive production has dipped since Jim Nill and Jim Montgomery/Rick Bowness transitioned Dallas to a defense-first approach. However, what the Stars’ veteran has sacrificed in points, he has made up for on the opposite end of the ice. Most important, Benn continues to provide the Stars with invaluable veteran leadership.
One cannot underestimate the job Benn executed in navigating the Dallas Stars through the 2020 playoff bubble. The onus was on Benn to lead the team through unprecedented circumstances and he thrived.