Jamie Benn, Stars Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

The Dallas Stars locked up their best offensive weapon, signing Jamie Benn to a contract extension Friday. 

Per TSN Hockey, Benn's new deal will pay him $76 million over eight years. The Stars confirmed the extension with a release on their official website. 

Benn spoke highly of the team and its ownership in the official release:

"

The Stars are the only organization I know and Dallas is home to me. 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.

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Stars general manager Jim Nill returned the favor, praising Benn's performance on the ice and leadership behind the scenes in the release:

"

Jamie has evolved into one of the most complete players in the NHL and his ability to lead our team is second-to-none. 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.

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It's hard to argue with Nill about Benn's evolution as one of the NHL's best all-around players. He led the league with 87 points during the 2014-15 season, becoming the first player in Stars history to win the Art Ross Trophy. He also set a new career high with 41 goals last season. 

Behind Benn's leadership, the Stars have finished with more than 90 points in each of the last three seasons and won the division title last year for the first time since 2005-06 with 109 points. 

Even though Dallas' season ended prematurely, with the St. Louis Blues defeating the Stars in the second round of the playoffs, the future is incredibly bright for the franchise. 

Benn's commitment is a testament to where the Stars are headed. Now, Dallas can focus on the ice as the team looks to win its first Stanley Cup since 1998-99.