Stars' Jamie Benn: Dealing with soreness

Benn did not skate this past Monday and Wednesday due to soreness related to his offseason core muscle surgery, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis:

This doesn't seem to be a serious issue, but Benn is sure to be monitored closely, as he's one of the league's best offensive players and the Stars have been ravaged by the injury bug -- they have five forwards on injured reserve. "You've missed all of training camp, and you get in high-intensity games, and you torque it more than you would in any practices," coach Lindy Ruff said. "It's a balancing act. We don't want to aggravate what he's got going on, but at the same time, we need to elevate play." We expect the Stars to shed light on Benn's status closer to puck drop Thursday evening.