This isn’t a pleasant topic to think about, but there will likely come a time when the Dallas Stars captain, Jamie Benn, will most likely no longer be the captain. Benn has served as the Stars’ captain since 2013.
Benn, now 34, signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension in 2016. Benn’s contract extension came with an average annual value (AAV) of $9.5 million and will run through the 2024-25 NHL season. At the time, the left wing told the Stars’ website: The Stars are the only organization I know, and Dallas is home to me … In working with the Gaglardi family (ownership) and Jim Nill (general manager), they have made it clear that they are dedicated to winning and winning the right way. I’m happy to commit to that process for eight more years. My teammates and I value the passion and dedication that we receive from Stars fans and we’re looking forward to getting this season started.”
Benn’s important to the Stars franchise. I don’t necessarily agree with Benn’s on-ice behavior, but at the end of the day, he’s a good, if not great, NHL player, and his charitable contributions, such as Benn’s Beauties for children with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their families in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, can speak for themselves.
Here are six Stars players for the potential captaincy succession, alongside Brian Sweet, the Site Expert for FanSided’s Blackout Dallas.
1. Jason Robertson
Jason Robertson, 24, is one of the top young NHL players and forwards right now. Robertson, who appears to be passionate yet reserved, is a top scorer, but he’s big enough (6’3″ and 200 lbs) to not get pushed around on the ice and in the locker room. Robertson can also speak to the media with clear and concise statements.
Ana: Robertson seems like an all-around good guy on and off the ice. He has not only broken barriers for Asian Americans but also in the NHL, as he has broken records, including Mike Modano’s points record with his 100th career goal on March 31, 2023. And, as an Asian American, I’d like to add that his being Filipino American has the major marketing power to grow the team’s and the NHL’s popularity in the Asian American community in America and beyond.
Brian: Robertson would be a great candidate as the next captain of the Dallas Stars. He is a part of the next era of Dallas Stars hockey. He’s already shattered one of the longest-held records in Dallas Stars history as he passed Mike Modano for the most points recorded in one season. He represents the organization off the ice helping in the community and I couldn’t think of a better player to wear the C after Jamie Benn.
2. Roope Hintz
Roope Hintz, 26, is a Finnish forward. Hintz came from an athletic family, but he chose to follow his brother, Miiko, and play ice hockey growing up instead of following his parents’ basketball careers. Hintz appeared to make the right choice as he made it to the NHL and became one of the Stars’ engines for offense. Hintz is an underrated NHL player who can grab your attention if you see him on the ice.
Ana: Hintz is an all-around good Stars player. He appears to have a good —if not great — mental fortitude. Hintz doesn’t seem like the flashy, in-your-face type, but he might be able to inspire his teammates in the locker room with his balanced personality. Oh, and he seems to be dependable on and off the ice.
Brian: Hintz would be another good candidate to wear the C on his jersey as well. He recently signed am eight-year extension with the Stars which will keep him here through the 2030-31 season. He was a big part of the Stars’ playoff run last season as he provided 10 goals and 14 assists. The reason he would be a good captain is he’s buddies with everyone in the locker room and is also a part of the next era of Stars hockey. If Jim Nill wants to give the C to a young player Hintz and Robertson are excellent candidates.
3. Ty Dellandrea
Ty Dellandrea, 23, is a Canadian forward. Dellandrea is an underrated Stars player and perhaps underestimated. Dellandrea’s professional hockey career began in the OHL and Liiga before being drafted by the Stars in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Ana: From what I know and what I’ve seen, I think Dellandrea’s a star on the rise. He has had a quiet solid season, from making the Stars’ opening night roster for 2022-23 to his multi-goal game where he scored two goals in 87 seconds to keep the Stars alive after trailing 3-0 in the Western Conference Final and losing Jamie Benn to a suspension. I think he’s a decent option for the captaincy.
Brian: I’m hesitant about giving Dellandrea the captaincy for several reasons. One of the main reasons why I’m concerned about giving it to him is if he will be a part of the franchise past this season. He is currently on a one-year deal and I don’t know if he’s going to take another cheap contract with the Stars. The other reason is he’s not on the ice every night. In order to be a captain in the NHL, you have to be on the ice every night unless you are sick or injured. With him currently in-and-out of the lineup every night, I don’t know if Dellandrea would be a good candidate for Stars captain.
4. Logan Stankoven
Logan Stankoven, 20, is a Canadian forward and Texas Stars prospect for the Dallas Stars. Stankoven was drafted by the Dallas Stars with the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He previously played in the WHL.
Ana: I like Stankoven and his fast, north-south play, which includes his puck carrying and handling. I don’t know much about his personal life, but maybe that’s a good thing, as I’d rather pay attention to his rink and locker room behavior, how he presents himself to the media and the public, etc. Also, he was the Kamloops Blazers’ captain in his hometown, and earned several trophies, such as the George Parsons Trophy as the tournament’s most sportsmanlike player. He has sportsmanship for sure, and that’s a must-have quality for a captain.
Brian: I would love to see Stankoven be the next captain of the Dallas Stars. He was the captain of his hometown junior hockey team, the Kamloops Blazers. Everytime I watch him talk to the media he is so calm and answers the question regardless if someone repeats one. If you remember, Jamie Benn walked out of the stadium without talking to the press after being ejected against the Vegas Golden Knights. I could tell you if Stankoven were in his shoes, more than likely he would answer all the questions the press throws at him. That’s why he would be the perfect captain after Jamie Benn.
5. Tyler Seguin
Tyler Seguin, 31, is a Canadian alternate captain and center for the Stars. Seguin is one of the Stars’ veteran players, as he was drafted second overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2010 NHL Draft. He originally chose to wear No. 19 in Boston as a tribute to his favorite NHL player Steve Yzerman and later chose to wear No. 91 in Dallas, becoming the second Dallas Star to wear No. 91 after Brad Richards. He previously played in the OHL and NL.
Ana: As much as I’d like to see Joe Pavelski become a captain again, I think Seguin realistically if we’re talking about veteran players. Seguin becoming captain might be a long shot with his age and his injuries, but anything can happen. He has been with the Stars since 2013, as one-half of “Bennguin” with Jamie Benn, and earns respect and adds charisma in the locker room, thanks to his work ethic and talent, along with his charitable endeavors, such as Seguin’s Stars. He also has marketing power from his high-profile sponsors.
Brian: If the Stars wanted to give it to one of the veterans still on the team, Seguin would be a perfect choice for the captaincy. Seguin has one of the longest tenures on the current Stars roster next to Jamie Benn. He’s been through a lot in his NHL career and knows how to mentor the next generation of players. My only concern is if he would want to be traded if they let go of Benn at the end of his deal. Him and Benn are pretty close to one another since they have been teammates for so long. If Seguin wants to remain in Dallas and be the next captain, then I wouldn’t mind promoting him to captain at all.
6. Mavrik Bourque
Mavrik Bourque, the second-best prospect that the Dallas Stars have, is making waves currently in the AHL right now. After having a good season with the Texas Stars in the AHL last year, he seems poised to make the Stars roster this season. Currently, through five games this season, Bourque has three goals and three assists with the Texas Stars so far. Along with Stankoven, Bourque is a part of the future plans of the Stars’ organization.
Ana: From what I’ve seen, Bourque has shown that he belongs in the NHL. He reminds me of Logan Stankoven, only less flashy. He has his flashy scoring episodes, along with quick passing skills. He also sticks up for his teammates, a quality every captain should have. He’s an honorable mention for the captaincy. While his chance is slim, you should keep him on your radar as he was recently praised by Stars head coach Pete DeBoer.
Brian: I think Mavrik Bourque would be the perfect candidate for Stars captain if they end up trading Stankoven. As of now, the Stars plan on keeping both players, as Nill has spoken highly of both players during preseason this year. There are plenty of candidates ahead of Bourque, so I doubt we will see him wear the C on his jersey during his tenure with the Stars. However, I would not count him out as possibly being considered to replace Benn as captain.
