The NHL has been pushing for a new CBA that won't honor the full value of formerly signed contracts, while the 23-year-old Stars winger won't rush to agree to a new deal unless he is offered a higher annual average value to protect him when escrow claws back 15-20 percent of every contract.
Benn, a restricted free agent still in need of a new deal, could also boycott the start of the season, whenever it begins, knowing full well that the Stars, who have been fighting to recover in their market, can't manage to kick off a deferred season without their star player.
Muir also notes that the Stars have been trying to sign Benn to a "bridge contract," similar to the ones that Loui Eriksson and James Neal agreed to after their level-entry deals, but before signing blockbuster contracts.
However, after Edmonton Oilers’ young superstars Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle signed significant long-term contracts in the recent weeks, Benn’s agent Rich Evans now has an edge to command a multi-year deal with a hefty annual cap hit for his client.
The Stars' biggest cap hit is currently defenseman Alex Goligoski's $4.6 million, and Benn could potentially end up being the club's highest-paid player.
In 71 games with the Stars last season, Benn collected 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points.
