Dallas girl

There might not be a better example of "dedication to ice hockey" than Jamie Benn. The longest-tenured captain in Stars history returned for his 17th season after uncertainty about retirement last summer. In a selfless, team-first move, the 36-year-old took an $8.5 million annual pay cut to help Dallas retain younger stars like Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston.

Despite playing 371 consecutive games from 2021-25, Benn missed the first 19 games this season after suffering a collapsed lung in preseason. Since returning in a reduced role since his Art Ross-winning peak, he still has produced 14 goals and 30 points in 48 games, helping Dallas contend for the Presidents' Trophy. Whether healthy or not, Benn's leadership remains central to the Stars' success.

After a career full of accolades, a Stanley Cup is the last achievement the entire Stars organization is working to reach for him.