It’s officially the offseason, which means there will be plenty of NHL Rumours over the next few months. The latest edition features the Dallas Stars and long-time captain Jamie Benn. Benn is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. According to the latest report, it seems the two parties are on track to agree on a new deal.

Team spokesperson reached out and says Terry is not avail so we’ll see if anything comes out of it. Was told us by an individual with a different team. Also hear Jamie Benn will return to Dallas.

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 17, 2025

NHL Rumours: Benn’s Return

Analysis: Strickland’s thread on X primarily discussed the possibility of the Anaheim Ducks trading forward Troy Terry during the offseason. Yet, the offhanded mention of Benn’s status among other NHL rumours is interesting and could indicate a deal is coming sooner rather than later.

Some questioned whether Dallas would still entertain Benn’s potential return after his performance in the playoffs. General manager Jim Nill doubled down on his September comments when asked about the captain during his season-ending press conference. This report further indicates he wasn’t bluffing (Not that many thought he was in this case).

The interest was clear from the beginning, and neither side has publicly wavered from its initial stance, which was to keep Benn in Dallas.

“I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” Benn told the media after the Stars’ series with the Edmonton Oilers. “This is all I know, so hopefully we can get something figured out.”

No contract has been signed, and things could obviously change, but according to this rumour, it appears Benn will remain in Dallas as both parties wished. The Athletic projects that a one-year, $4 million deal would make sense.

What Benn’s Rumoured Return Would Mean for Dallas

Benn is one of those players who it would be difficult to see in another uniform. Stars fans and those within the organization think the world of him. Hence, it never really made sense for him to go anywhere else, as long as a deal could be worked out financially.

However, the 16-year-veteran is no longer the same player he was in his prime. As a leader, he’s a massive presence in the locker room. Yet, on the ice, he’s been declining for some time. The beginning of Pete DeBoer’s tenure seemed to rejuvenate his game, but his point production regressed. He used to be a consistent 20-goal scorer, but he’s only reached that mark twice in the last six seasons.

So, if he does indeed stay in Dallas, his role on the ice may look different, especially under a new coach. That’s something he already dealt with during this season’s playoff run, and he seems to have accepted it as long as it comes with team success on the ice.

“The playoffs are all about the team first and making sacrifices and doing what’s best for the team,” Benn added. “As my role changed a little bit, that was my mindset. This was what was best for the team, and it’s my job to just go out there and do my job the best I could.”

At this point, that’s all Dallas should ask of Benn. He no longer has to be one of the focal points of the roster skill-wise. He can successfully transition into more of a contributor role. That’s not necessarily a knock on Benn but a realistic look at how the Stars are constructed and how he fits going forward, given the latest NHL rumours related to his situation.

Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images