Stars, Jamie Benn to begin discussing contract extension

Jamie Benn has no desire to explore his options.

The Dallas Stars captain and Hart Trophy finalist, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2017, can sign a contract extension as early as July 1, and agreeing to terms with the club is something he certainly wants to do prior to the start of training camp.

"Going into the last year of your contract, you don't want it to be a distraction for your team," Benn said, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas News. "I'll let (general manager) Jim (Nill) and my agent try to figure that out.

"This is where I want to play, this is where I want to be. I don't think it's going to be a problem."

For his part, Nill plans to meet with Benn and his agent in the coming days.

"I've got to meet with Jamie over the next week or 10 days. Going to start discussing that and then I'll get a hold of his people," Nill said. "It's something we'd like to start up, if it's something we can get done in July, August."

Benn has played all 508 games of his career in Dallas, winning the Art Ross Trophy with the club last season.