Benn is entering his fourth year in the NHL and he is only 23, two years older than I am. Throughout his career, his points total has increased from 41 to 56 to 63 and he is the only player in Stars history to earn 100 points before he turned 23. He is second on the team last season in goals with 26, and points with 63.
Last season, in the All-Star Game in Ottawa, he won the accuracy shooting contest as part of the skills competiton. The expectation this season is that Benn will play with new teammate Jaromir Jagr once he is back in the lineup. He played in Hamburg during the lockout and came back before it was all settled and done.
Joe Nieuwendyk, GM for the Stars, released this message about Benn. "He has proven in his short, but very productive NHL career, that he is not only this franchise's cornerstone player, but also an emerging superstar in the league."
I agree with Nieuwendyk. Benn has certainly earned this contract. Although they haven't made the playoffs yet, I think that Benn can carry this team to their first playoffs since the 2007-08 season, when they got to the Western Conference Finals and lost to Detroit. His stellar play and his magnificent skating ability certainly make him a viable option for this young and improving team. I see the Dallas Stars making the playoffs this season and with this guy locked down for another five years, I think they have the potential to do it not only this season, but for many seasons to come.
The Stars are facing the Blackhawks tonight. Another win to get to 3-1-0 can certainly help the chances for this Stars team.
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