The Dallas Stars are looking to turn things around in 2022-23 following a first-round NHL playoff exit last season. Among the key changes made by the Stars this offseason included hiring Peter DeBoer as head coach, replacing Rick Bowness. Now, owner Tom Gaglardi is hoping to see some improvements from players already on the roster, and did not hesitate to call out veterans Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. Via TSN, Gaglardi name-dropped Benn and Seguin, the team's two highest earners, as individuals he needs to see more from.
“I think those guys signed those contracts and they’ve got to find a way to deliver that kind of value,” Gaglardi said. “If they don’t, it hampers the team. That’s the reality of it. They know that.”
“I’ve talked to Jamie; he knows he’s got to find more. He’s working hard this summer. I met with him in Dallas after the season ended. He knows what he’s got to do… Those guys know they’ve got to bring more.”
Seguin and Benn are far and away the top earners on the Stars. The former makes $9.85 million per season, while the latter collects $9.5 million annually. Considering their huge paychecks, Gaglardi is right to expect more out of the duo.
In 2021-22, Seguin registered 49 points while featuring in 81 games. He scored 24 goals and provided 25 assists in what was his least productive season of his career. Granted, Seguin missed all but three games of the 2020-21 season, but considering he's one of hockey's top earners, his lackluster performance in 2021-22 was unacceptable.
As for Benn, the 33-year-old registered 46 points while featuring in all 82 games for the Stars. His 18 goals were the third-fewest in his career.
Considering how much money the tandem makes — they combine for over 23% of the Stars' entire cap space — there's no reason they shouldn't be leading the team offensively. Instead, that burden has fallen onto other talents such as Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, as well as the ever-reliable Joe Pavelski.
Follow Us
Subscribe