Dallas, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Jamie Benn, captain of the Dallas Stars, has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and will undergo surgery, which will keep him out for the start of the NHL regular season. The injury happened during a preseason game, and he will be re-evaluated in four weeks. His absence presents roster opportunities for younger players as the team adjusts its lineup for the upcoming season.
Dallas — Jamie Benn to Undergo Surgery for Collapsed Lung; Expected to Miss Start of 2025-26 NHL Season
Jamie Benn, captain of the Dallas Stars, will undergo surgery after being diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss at least the start of the 2025-26 NHL regular season. The injury occurred during a preseason game and the team has outlined an initial timeline that will keep Benn out of travel and physical activity while he recovers.
What happened (top points)
Jamie Benn injured during preseason game against Minnesota Wild.
The injury occurred late in the third period of the game on September 23, 2025.
Benn diagnosed with a collapsed lung after X-rays revealed a small hole.
He will undergo surgery and is expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Benn will miss at least the start of the regular season, which begins on October 9, 2025.
Immediate details and roster impact
The team reported that the injury followed an innocuous on-ice contact while Benn was protecting the puck. The general manager characterized the incident as an unexpected fluke rather than the result of a targeted play. With the diagnosis confirmed by imaging, the team scheduled surgery and a four-week re-evaluation window to monitor Benn’s recovery progress.
The regular season opens on October 9, 2025, and Benn will not be available for travel or physical activity for the first four weeks following surgery. His absence opens roster opportunities for younger players to compete for an opening-night role. Players mentioned as competing for Benn’s spot include Justin Hryckowian, Arttu Hyry, and Adam Erne.
Contract, career context and leadership
The 36-year-old forward signed a one-year deal in June worth $1 million, with potential performance bonuses totaling $3 million. He is entering his 17th NHL season, all with the Dallas Stars, and has served as the team’s captain since the 2013-14 season. Benn is currently one goal shy of 400 career goals and ranks second in franchise history with 956 points.
Last season Benn recorded 49 points in 80 games. Prior to this injury, he had a notable durability record, playing 326 of the last 328 regular-season games. The coaching staff noted the immediate impact on team leadership with the captain sidelined, and the team will rely on other veterans and emerging players to fill both on-ice minutes and locker-room responsibilities while Benn recovers.
Medical and travel restrictions
Benn won’t be able to fly or participate in any physical activity for four weeks. The travel restriction is being observed as a standard precaution during recovery from a collapsed lung and the related surgical repair. Medical staff will re-evaluate his condition at the end of the four-week period to determine next steps and a potential return timeline.
Background and season preparation
The Stars’ roster had been nearly set before Benn’s injury, with coaching decisions shifting quickly as the organization adjusts its opening-night lineup plans. The preseason game where the injury occurred was intended as a final evaluation for depth and special teams assignments. With Benn sidelined, the season-opening roster and line combinations are being re-assessed to address both scoring and veteran presence on the ice.
Team personnel have highlighted the need for younger players to seize greater roles in the short term while the club monitors Benn’s recovery. The organization’s plan is to prioritize patient, medically guided rehabilitation and to re-integrate Benn only when cleared by medical staff and internal evaluations.
FAQ
Q: What happened to Jamie Benn?
A: Jamie Benn injured during preseason game against Minnesota Wild.
Q: When did the injury occur?
A: The injury occurred late in the third period of the game on September 23, 2025.
Q: What is the medical diagnosis?
A: Benn diagnosed with a collapsed lung after X-rays revealed a small hole.
Q: What treatment is planned and what is the recovery timeline?
A: He will undergo surgery and is expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Q: Will he miss regular-season games?
A: Benn will miss at least the start of the regular season, which begins on October 9, 2025.
Q: How does the team describe the play that caused the injury?
A: General manager Jim Nill described the injury as a fluke from an innocuous hit while Benn was protecting the puck.
Q: What are Benn’s contract and career details?
A: He signed a one-year deal in June worth $1 million, with potential performance bonuses totaling $3 million. The 36-year-old is entering his 17th NHL season, all with the Dallas Stars. He has been the captain of the Stars since the 2013-14 season. Benn had 49 points in 80 games last season and ranks second in franchise history with 956 points. Benn is currently one goal shy of 400 career goals.
Q: How durable has Benn been prior to this injury?
A: Prior to this injury, Benn had a strong durability record, playing 326 of the last 328 regular-season games.
Q: What restrictions are in place during recovery?
A: Benn won’t be able to fly or participate in any physical activity for four weeks.
Q: Who might take Benn’s spot while he recovers?
A: Players competing for Benn’s spot include Justin Hryckowian, Arttu Hyry, and Adam Erne.
Q: Was the Stars’ roster finalized before the injury?
A: The Stars’ roster was nearly set before Benn’s injury.
Q: What is the expected team response to his absence?
A: His absence opens opportunities for younger players to join the opening-night lineup.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Injury event | Jamie Benn injured during preseason game against Minnesota Wild |
| Date of injury | The injury occurred late in the third period of the game on September 23, 2025 |
| Diagnosis | Benn diagnosed with a collapsed lung after X-rays revealed a small hole |
| Treatment plan | He will undergo surgery and is expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks |
| Season impact | Benn will miss at least the start of the regular season, which begins on October 9, 2025 |
| Contract | One-year deal in June worth $1 million, with potential performance bonuses totaling $3 million |
| Last season | 49 points in 80 games |
| Franchise rank | Ranks second in franchise history with 956 points |
| Career milestone | Benn is currently one goal shy of 400 career goals |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Jamie Benn Injury Update
- Wikipedia: Collapsed Lung
- NHL: Jamie Benn Injury Status
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lung
- Dallas News: Jamie Benn Injury Surgery
- Google Search: Jamie Benn Collapsed Lung
- WFAA: Jamie Benn to Undergo Surgery
- Google News: Jamie Benn Injury
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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