Jamie Benn Turns 37 This Summer and Still Won't Say If He's Coming Back

The Dallas Stars captain left the door wide open on his future Monday after the team's playoff elimination, offering about as clear an answer as a politician: "Right now I'm just hanging out, being a dad, and figure it out later." If that sounds noncommittal, it's because it absolutely is. Benn will turn 37 on July 18, and after 17 seasons all in Dallas, he's taking his sweet time deciding whether there's an 18th left in the tank.

He's Buying Time, Not Making Promises

When asked if he knew when or how he'd make the call, Benn basically shrugged and said he'd probably "just wake up one day and know, to be honest." Translation: don't expect an announcement anytime soon. This is the second straight offseason he's made everyone wait while he weighs the pros and cons of another run. Last year, Benn signed a one-year deal worth $1 million plus another $2 million in bonuses. That contract structure tells you everything you need to know about what the organization thinks of him: GM Jim Nill made it clear after Benn's previous eight-year, $76 million deal expired that the captain could stick around as long as he wanted to wear the Star.

His Teammates and Coach Want Him Back

Coach Glen Gulutzan isn't shy about it: "For me, it's a slam dunk. He needs to come back." Gulutzan is the only Stars coach who's worked with Benn during two separate tenures, having coached him way back in 2011-13. Teammate Tyler Seguin, who's 34 himself and has been Benn's partner since 2013-14, echoed the sentiment. Seguin has been limited to just 47 games over the past two seasons due to hip and knee injuries, but he's still holding out hope. "I don't think anyone knows what Jamie is going to do until Jamie does it," Seguin said. "I'll stay out of his way, let him come to his own decisions, but I'd obviously love to have him for one more shot."

So we wait. Benn's not tipping his hand, his team desperately wants him back, and summer is about to get real quiet in Dallas. All that's left is to see if the veteran captain decides chasing another Stanley Cup is worth one more spin around the calendar.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.