Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn doesn't plan to leave the only NHL organization he's ever played for.
"It will be interesting. I'm looking forward to it, to be honest," Benn told reporters Saturday when asked about potentially testing unrestricted free agency for the first time in his 16-year career. "I don't see myself going anywhere else. This is all I know. Hopefully, we can get something figured out, then I don't have to answer these questions."
The 35-year-old recorded 16 goals and 33 assists in 80 games in 2024-25 and managed just three points in 18 playoff contests. He ranks second in franchise history in games played (1,192), goals (399), and points (956) behind Mike Modano, and has been Dallas' captain for the last 12 years.
The Stars enter the offseason with just $4.95 million in cap space and only 16 players signed. In addition to Benn, Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund, Evgenii Dadonov, Colin Blackwell, and Cody Ceci are pending UFAs. Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist are restricted free agents.
Duchene also expressed a desire to remain in Dallas.
"I'd love to stay here and make it work," Duchene said. "I think I'm in a little different place, maybe than I was last year, looking at things. But I believe in this group and want to be here. I know how close we are."
Duchene joined the Stars in 2023 after he was bought out by the Nashville Predators and recorded 65 points in his first season with the club. He re-signed in 2024 on a one-year, $3-million deal, which turned out to be a bargain for the team: He racked up 82 points in as many games this past season.
The 34-year-old indicated he'll be seeking term on his next contract.
"At this point, as a family, I think my kids are getting to the point where you're looking for some stability, so one-year deals are tough," he said. "I don't know what's going to transpire. I'll have to wait and see what's out there."
