Benn expected to make preseason debut vs. Panthers

Jamie Benn is back.

The Dallas Stars captain - sidelined since July 14 following surgery to repair a core muscle - said he's ready to make his preseason debut Tuesday against Florida.

"I'm feeling pretty good and I'm going to test it out (Tuesday) night," Benn told Dan Rosen of NHL.com. "I'm actually pretty excited and looking forward to getting back out there with the guys. Hopefully it all goes well."

The recovery has taken longer than expected; Benn was originally set to be out six weeks, but was forced to miss the World Cup of Hockey to continue his rehabilitation.

"It was actually nice to sit out the first four preseason games and just get some good practice in to start to feel like I'm in game shape again," Benn added.