Few names in Dallas Stars history are as synonymous as Jamie Benn is. Benn reached legendary status Monday night as he played in his 1,000th NHL game, all with the Stars. Drafted in the 5th Round at 129th overall, Benn was a diamond in the rough find in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. His 10 years as captain is the longest tenure in Stars history. His many accolades include multiple All-Star game selections, an Art Ross Trophy, and more. Benn will be the last person to wear #14 in Stars history, joining other legends such as Mike Modano, Sergei Zubov, and Jere Lehtinen among others. Here is another look at Benn’s legendary career.
Fast Start
Benn waited long into the 2007 NHL Entry draft to hear his name. He became a Dallas Star at 129th overall on June 23, 2007. Benn actually would have pursued a baseball career had he not heard his name called. Benn first spent a few years with 79 goals in 107 games in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets. He first got called up to the Stars to start the 2009 season. The Victoria, British Columbia native got his first goal in his home Province against the Vancouver Canucks. His first month was a good start with 10 points during that October. These ended up being the first of many as a rising star in the organization with 160 points over his first 3 seasons.
Oh Captain My Captain
Benn is the 6th captain in team history. This is where his true rise began as his stats progressed more over the years. Benn’s Art Ross Trophy as the leading scorer needed every second of the 2014-2015 season. There was a deadlock between him and John Tavares of the New York Islanders going into each team’s respective last game of the season. Both games were going on at the same time and despite Benn’s 2 goals, he needed 2 points going into the 3rd period. Nashville pulled their goaltender with over 2 minutes left and Benn scored. He needed one last point and that legendary assist came with 8.5 seconds left in the season.
One Last Thing
Jamie Benn will be a retired number for the Stars. Fans will remember and celebrate his career long after he retires. He already is a legend in the hearts and minds of Stars fans but there is one final thing missing. Benn came close to winning it all, falling two wins short in 2020. Seeing Jamie Benn hoist the Stanley Cup over his head is a dream amongst Stars fans. The Stars are a good team with a chance at winning the Stanley Cup this year. Benn lifting the Stanley Cup in a Stars uniform will cement his career as legendary in the city of Dallas.
Benn is already in the midst of a successful career. His 348 goals and 813 points in 1,000 games are 3rd best in Franchise history, and soon to be #2. His 13 years with the Stars are filled with lots of fond memories for #14. Jamie Benn is a true leader and class professional whose name will last as long as this franchise does. Stars fans salute Jamie Benn on 1,000 career NHL games played.
Photo Credit: Dallas Stars Twitter
