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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Jamie Benn Signs Eight-Year Extension, Out Six Weeks with Core Injury

After learning that Jamie Benn underwent surgery for a core injury that occurred during offseason training, we received some even bigger news about the Stars captain: He signed an eight-year extension with an AAV of $9.5 million.

Here’s what GM Jim Nill had to say about making sure Benn sticks around in Dallas.

On the Benn extension
“When you’re building a franchise, there’s certain players that are important to the franchise and he’s as good as anybody there is. He’s one of the top players in the NHL, one of the top forwards. He’s in the prime of his career. He’s the leader of our team, and he’s a great person on top of it, so we’re very fortunate here in Dallas.”

He also explained Benn’s injury as “kind of a stomach pull” and said it wasn’t any cause for concern going forward.

On if Benn having surgeries in back-to-back offseasons is a concern
“No, he was just doing some offseason training on his own, and just felt a little tinge of something, so we got him checked over, they brought him in. It’s a surgery, but it’s nothing major. He’ll be fine. In six weeks he’ll be back to normal, so he’s in a good spot. He’ll be fine for camp.”

There’s more on Benn’s extension and injury, as well as a few updates on Valeri Nichushkin, at the link. [SportsDayDFW]

Over at NHL.com, Adam Kimelman breaks down the moves that the Stars have made this offseason and examines how the changes on defense—especially the addition of Dan Hamhuis—will affect this coming season. [NHL]

The Stars also made this announcement at yesterday’s Party in the Park.

The Blues and Jaden Schwartz avoided arbitration and agreed on a five-year, $26.75 million deal. [Sportsnet]

Get to know the best of who’s left in free agency. [The Hockey News]

Bill Foley wants to know the name of Las Vegas’ NHL team just as much as you do. [Las Vegas Journal-Review]

Sidney Crosby is making the most of his time with the Stanley Cup.

The KHL is reportedly expanded to London. [Sports Illustrated]

There are six teams currently without a captain, including the Predators and the Blues. Which guys are going to wear the “C” in 2016-17? [The Hockey News]

Washington fans may be feeling a little deja vu. The Caps and Marcus Johansson are headed to arbitration. Again. [Washington Post]

And finally, this tweet pretty much sums up the day.

Talking Points