Stars captain Jamie Benn faces setback with facial injury

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn sustained a facial injury in the team’s recent 4-3 overtime loss to Montreal, requiring stitches in his nose. The incident occurred early in the third period when Benn fell to the ice after contact with a Canadiens player, hitting his face hard enough to draw blood. He was helped off the ice and did not return, leaving fans concerned about his availability.

Coach Glen Gulutzan provided an update on Monday, stating Benn is still under evaluation. The Stars, mired in a five-game losing streak, now face a challenging six-game road trip without their leader for at least the initial games. This comes after Benn already missed the first 19 games of the season recovering from a punctured lung suffered in preseason.

The injury details

Benn collided awkwardly with Montreal’s Zachary Bolduc, leading to a face-first plant on the ice. Officials reviewed the play for a potential high stick but issued no penalty. Blood was visible as trainers assisted him to the locker room.

Gulutzan confirmed stitches were needed for Benn’s nose but offered no details on concussion protocol. The 36-year-old veteran was evaluated further before the team’s departure.

This marks another health hurdle for Benn in the 2025-26 season. His resilience has been tested, yet his leadership remains vital.

The Stars’ medical staff is monitoring closely, with hopes for a quicker turnaround.

For more on this Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn sidelined after nasty face-first fall, check our detailed coverage.

Road trip implications

The Stars open the trip Tuesday at Carolina, followed by Washington on Wednesday. Gulutzan does not expect Benn for these East Coast games.

He could rejoin for the West Coast swing starting Saturday at San Jose, then Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Utah.

• Carolina Hurricanes (Tuesday): Stars seek to snap skid against playoff contenders.
• Washington Capitals (Wednesday): Tough back-to-back test.
• San Jose Sharks (Saturday): Potential Benn return spot.
• Los Angeles Kings: High-stakes Pacific Division clash.
• Anaheim Ducks: Mid-trip breather.
• Utah Hockey Club (Jan. 15): Road trip finale.

Without Benn, depth players must step up amid the losing streak.

Benn’s season and career context

In 23 games, Benn has seven goals and seven assists. His return from the lung injury was promising before this setback.

Now in his 17th NHL season, all with Dallas, the left wing exemplifies durability. At 36, he continues to produce.

Benn is one of four NHL players grandfathered without visors under the pre-2013-14 rule: Ryan O’Reilly, Zach Bogosian, and Ryan Reaves.

This injury reignites visor debates in hockey.

His absence strains a roster dealing with other issues, like Tyler Seguin’s season-ending ACL tear.

Visor policy and player safety

The NHL mandated visors starting 2013-14, but pre-rule veterans opt out. Benn’s choice highlights personal preference versus protection.

Incidents like this fuel discussions on expanding rules. Facial injuries sideline stars unnecessarily.

Gulutzan emphasized evaluation priority: “We’ll know more as doctors assess.”

Fans appreciate Benn’s grit but worry about long-term health.

Comparisons to past visor holdouts show mixed outcomes.

Team outlook amid injuries

Dallas faces adversity with Benn out and recent losses. The road trip tests resolve.

Younger players gain ice time, potentially sparking momentum.

Leadership from alternates will be key.

A strong West Coast performance could salvage the stretch.

As detailed in Lia Assimakopoulos’ report from The Dallas Morning News, recovery timelines remain fluid.

The Stars’ latest ESPN player update notes upper-body status, underscoring caution.

Benn’s potential return west offers hope. The captain’s presence boosts morale and production, critical for playoff positioning. Dallas must rally to end the skid and navigate injuries successfully.