Jamie Benn Isn’t Captain Material

Some Dallas Stars fans said that forward Logan Stankoven is the team’s next captain, and I respectfully disagree. Here’s what I think about the “Jamie Benn isn’t captain material” topic.

Stars captain and forward Jamie Benn is the longest-tenured player in Dallas Stars’ history. But Benn’s also one of the most controversial players in the Stars’ history. Well, at least, in my opinion.

As you probably know, Benn was suspended for two games for cross-checking Vegas Golden Knights captain and forward Mark Stone in Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference Finals. As a result, Benn was ejected from Game 3 for cross-checking Stone around the jaw and driving Stone’s head into the ice. Benn’s suspension, however, wasn’t a difference maker as the Stars were 2-0 without Benn and 0-4 with Benn against the Golden Knights.

As always, I talk to various fans and journalists to get unbiased thoughts for my articles and columns. Read on for all of our thoughts.

A Los Angeles Kings fan said, “I am not certain, but I think after [Jamie] Benn pulled that stunt in Game 3, that aimed players were mad at [Jamie] Benn. The Hockey Guy made mention of that.”

A New Jersey Devils fan said, “[Jamie] Benn [actually] is, except for his [perpensity] to forget about the team and do nonsense about something he took personally that hurts the team. He’s a great leader, but [he] needs to lead by example.”

A sports journalist said, “I love Logan [Stankoven] and had a first-round grade on him in his draft year, [but] even I believe that’s crazy.”

If I had my way, I’d remove the “C” from Benn and name Joe Pavelski as the Stars’ new captain. And, if not Pavelski because of his age and contract, then center and alternate captain Tyler Seguin. Here’s why.

Jamie Benn Is a Dirty Player
Some Stars fans can argue that Jamie Benn makes dirty plays, but he’s far from a dirty player. However, that’s subjective, as I agree to disagree with those fans.

I’d put Benn in my top ten and perhaps top five. Not only did he dirtily cross-check Mark Stone, but some individuals didn’t buy into his statement. Oh, and he has a history of dirty cross-checks.

Benn told ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski on May 24, 2023, “Obviously didn’t want to take a five-minute penalty, but when the game happens fast, emotions are high. Obviously, I would’ve liked [to] not [fall] on him, and I guess [use] my stick as the landing point.”

Benn’s statement was off-putting, right?

Benn has always been a player that no one wants to fight. His actions and words speak for themselves. His most recent suspension was an awful look for him. He should try to live up to his captaincy, or else. After all, Dallas took away the “C” from its most decorated player, Mike Modano, in 2006 and handed it to Brendan Morrow. Modano was reportedly angry and hurt, but the Stars thought it was necessary.

Jamie Benn’s Future Is Uncertain
Regardless of your opinion, Jamie Benn saw an offensive decline from 2018 to 2022. He led the Stars in scoring with 79 points (36 goals and 43 assists) in 82 games, logged nearly 20 minutes a night, and fired 241 shots on goal in 2017-18. He had 46 points (18 goals and 28 assists) in 82 games in 2021-22.

Benn bounced back in 2022-23 with 78 points (33 goals and 45 assists) in 82 games. But, at 33 years old and soon-to-be 34 on July 18, 2023, will he stay healthy and effective? Think about it.

The Stars might’ve struggled with scoring as a team, but there’s a chance that Benn’s body has been wearing down for the most part. Benn also may have stumbled in navigating some coaching changes over the years.

Tyler Seguin Can Fill a Captain Role
Stars alternate captain and center Tyler Seguin has been a mainstay since 2010.

Seguin and Jamie Benn, also known as Bennguin, was one of the NHL’s most lethal duos in the mid-2010s. Bennguin was tied for second in the league’s Art Ross Trophy scoring race in 2015-16. Although their roles have changed as 30-somethings, they’ve remained close friends, but the downsides? They played a little less in 2022-23.

Some, if not most, Stars fans don’t want to think about the line of succession for the captaincy. However, there’s a chance that the Stars are looking for a new captain that will wear the “C” with pride. I’m not saying that Benn doesn’t take pride in wearing the “C,” but he’s not the leader that the team needs.

The right leader would do more than just put up the most points. He’d help out and stand up for his teammates, speak up against his opponents, and get physical to help energize his team.

In my opinion, Seguin would be the right leader for the Stars. When he was traded to Dallas in 2013, he quickly turned over a new leaf and seemingly did everything he could to improve the Stars. His actions helped the Stars achieve a lot of improvements. He’s a staple of the team who has inspired his teammates and fans alike.