Player Profile: Jordie Benn

Phillip Jordan Ellis Benn, better known as Jordie Benn, reunited with his younger brother, Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn, in Dallas, Texas, after signing a professional tryout (PTO) on August 30, 2023, as a free agent. Jordie previously played in Dallas in 2011-12 and 2012-17.

Jordie’s role as a Dallas Star isn’t guaranteed because he’ll have to play to earn an NHL contract. At 36 years old, Jordie isn’t a youngster, even if he’s still young at heart. Jordie was born on July 26, 1987, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, while Jamie, who’s 34-years-old, was born on July 18, 1989. As we wait for Jordie to try to extend his NHL career despite his injuries and setbacks, let’s take a closer look at his professional and personal life.

Originally an undrafted defenseman, Jordie played for the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) from 2006-08. Jordie went on to play for the Victoria Salmon Kings of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 2008-09 before signing his first NHL contract with the Dallas Stars for one-year, $550,000, on July 2, 2011. Jordie later re-signed with the Stars for one year, $525,000 on July 31, 2012, three years, $2.1 million on July 3, 2013, and three years, $3.3 million on June 24, 2016. Jordie continued his NHL career by returning to his hometown British Columbia and signing a two-year, $4 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1, 2019, before being dealt to the Winnipeg Jets in his final year under contract. Jordie signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Minnesota Wild on August 27, 2021, and recorded eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 39 regular-season games. Jordie became a free agent for the second time and signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 14, 2022. Jordie missed some time due to a groin injury, but he played his first game as a Toronto Maple Leaf on November 12, 2022, and scored his first goal with the team.

Off the ice, Jordie Benn appears to be a down-to-earth family man. Born to Randy and Heather Benn, Jordie grew up in Victoria, BC, where his father reportedly insisted that he and his brother, Jamie Benn, play hockey in the winter and baseball in the summer. The Benn brothers have an older sister, Jamie Benn, who was born in 1985 and keeps a low profile personally and professionally.

Jordie Benn’s better half, Jessica Kohout, is a successful woman specializing in marketing and public relations. Kohout has worked for several high-profile companies such as Lululemon Athletica, Vancouver Canucks, etc., has been recognized for her leadership and innovation in the workplace, and has been nominated for the 2021 BC Business 30 Under 30 award. Kohout is also passionate about giving back to her community and participates in various charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Canucks Kids Fund, etc.

Jordie Benn and Jessica Kohout met through mutual friends when he played for the Dallas Stars, and she worked in a sushi restaurant, hit it off, and remained dedicated after their relationship became a long-distance one. They reunited in 2018 and got married in 2019. They welcomed their first child, Billie Anne Benn, on July 30, 2020.

According to NHL.com, Jordie’s the grill master in the house, and Jessica does the rest. Jordie can make a darn good Caesar salad from the Benn family recipe. Also, you’ve likely noticed Jordie’s tattoos on both arms, but his first tattoo says Never Quit, which he got when he was a 19-year-old BCHL player.

Do you think Jordie will start the 2023-24 season in Dallas or Cedar Park? Let me know in the comments!