Stars' Jamie Benn: Activity ramping up

Benn (abdomen) has begun skating but his status to return for training camp remains unclear, Mike Heika of DallasNews.com reports.

Analysis:

Benn underwent core muscle surgery on July 14 and reportedly "will take it slow" as preseason activity ramps up. It's likely the star center will increase the intensity of his skating regimen as training camp gets underway but he may be held out of several of the Stars' preseason games, starting with a Sept. 26 contest against the Blues. Coming off a career-best 41-goal season, the Stars' will be carefully monitoring Benn's status the next several weeks as he works his way back to full strength.