Stars extend Jamie Benn with monster 8-year, $76 million deal

Jamie Benn’s Friday began with him recovering from core muscle surgery. It ended with him set to become an even richer man in a year’s time.

The Dallas Stars announced during their Party in the Park event Friday night that they had extended their captain with an eight-year, $76 million extension. That’s a $9.5 million cap hit per season if you’re keeping track.

“The Stars are the only organization I know and Dallas is home to me,” said Benn in a statement. “In working with the Gaglardi family and Jim Nill, 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.”

“Jamie has evolved into one of the most complete players in the NHL and his ability to lead our team is second-to-none,” said Stars GM Jim Nill. “He impacts the game in so many ways and this signing was extremely important for the direction of the franchise. He’s shown in the playoffs, and at international events like the Olympics and the World Championship, that he is up to any challenge and that his fingerprints will be left on every game. He’s our leader and does things the right way, every day.”

The deal, which will kick in at the start of the 2017-18 season, will put Benn behind (for now) only Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Anze Kopitar and Alex Ovechkin for top AAVs in the NHL. The lack of state income tax in Texas will also be beneficial for him.

Benn, who has led the Stars in scoring three out of the last four seasons, has developed into one of the NHL’s best forwards, scoring 110 goals since the 2013-14 season and averaging 0.96 points per game over that same stretch with an Art Ross Trophy mixed in.

– – – – – – –

Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy