The Dallas Stars signed Jamie Benn to an eight-year, $76-million contract extension, the team announced Friday.

The 26-year-old has one year remaining on his five-year, $26.25-million deal and was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season.

"The Stars are the only organization I know and Dallas is home to me," Benn said in a statement. "In working with the Gaglardi family and Jim Nill, they have made it clear that they are dedicated to winning, and winning the right way. I'm happy to commit to that process for eight more years. My teammates and I value the passion and dedication that we receive from Stars fans and we're looking forward to getting this season started."

Benn has served as the team's captain since the 2013-14 season after taking over for Brenden Morrow. He is coming off his two most productive seasons since being drafted 129th overall by the Stars in the 2007 NHL Draft, capturing the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer during the 2014-15 season before finishing second in league scoring last season with 89 points in 82 games.

"Jamie has evolved into one of the most complete players in the NHL and his ability to lead our team is second-to-none," general manager Jim Nill said. "He impacts the game in so many ways and this signing was extremely important for the direction of the franchise. He's shown in the playoffs, and at international events like the Olympics and the World Championship, that he is up to any challenge and that his fingerprints will be left on every game. He's our leader and does things the right way, every day."

Benn's eight-year deal will see him remain with the club through the 2024-25 season.

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The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Matt Nieto to a one-year, $735,000 contract, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Nieto was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level deal.

The 23-year-old was brought back on the heels of his worst statistical season since entering the league, mustering a career-low eight goals and 17 points in 67 games, while adding a goal and two assists in 16 playoff contests.

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Blake Wheeler isn't easily swayed by rewards.

With Andrew Ladd now locked into a seven-year contract with the New York Islanders, the Winnipeg Jets are in need of a new captain. But while Wheeler would be honored to step into the role, he feels it would do little to change how he conducts himself with his teammates.

"Regardless of what letter I have on my jersey, my role on the team and who I am with the team is not going to change," Wheeler told Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press. "I think last year was a big growing year for me, with [my] foot on the gas the whole time."

In the meantime, Wheeler admits that he is just starting to get over what was a difficult year for the Jets. After earning a playoff spot last season for the first time since the team relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, the club failed to return to the postseason seeing a 23-point drop in the standings.

"As much as anyone, especially the older guys on our team, we felt the (disappointment), and I know that because we talked about it every single day," Wheeler said. "Sitting on the couch after the season was over and watching the playoffs, it was a bad feeling, a really bad feeling probably this year more than any other year.

"And as it went on, the bad taste of last year started to go away, and you started to re-hash things and think about the season and about some of the guys we have, some of the young guys we have and now some more of the young guys we have, it’s kind of like, 'OK, I get it now.'"

However, as the 29-year-old approaches the upcoming season, he has had time to digest the club's moves - including drafting Patrik Laine with the second overall pick - and he is thrilled to get going.

"I think now certainly I do have a clear view of where we’re headed and what’s ahead of us," said Wheeler. "I’m probably more excited today than I have been at any point about what we have going forward, just from purely a talent standpoint.

"We tried to win every game, and that’s the way I believe it should be done and sure enough, the lottery balls reward you for that stuff. I believe if you do things the right way, you’re going to get rewarded. Now we’ve got a nice little new toy to play with."

His teammates also have reason to be excited, as along with fresh talent, Wheeler himself is coming off a career-season that saw him hit 78 points in 82 games.

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The Buffalo Sabres have signed 2016 eighth overall draft pick Alex Nylander to a three-year, entry-level contract.

"We are extremely pleased to sign Alex to his entry-level deal," said general manager Tim Murray. "When we selected Alex, we obviously knew he was a talented, skilled player. We look forward to him coming to training camp and competing for a job."

Nylander led all Mississauga Steelhead (OHL) players in goals (28), assists (47), and points (75) in 2015-16, adding an additional six goals and six assists in six playoff games.

The stellar performance earned Nylander both OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honors.

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The New Jersey Devils will have to wait until training camp to see if Pavel Zacha is ready to make the jump to the NHL club.

Related - Shero: Devils roster will have room for Zacha

The 19-year-old - who was selected sixth overall by the Devils in 2015 - will not skate during the team's summer development camp as a result of a hip pointer.

"I was in the hospital two days ago, had something to do with my hip pointer, and I feel much better today," Zacha told Chris Ryan of NJ.com on Friday. "I got my first little workout in, so I feel really good, so I hope I'll be able to work out and go on the ice pretty soon.

"I'll go on the ice when I go back home, start working out, practicing there, but I won't be able to go on ice this camp."

Zacha made his pro debut late this past season, recording two assists in one appearance for the Devils and a goal and two assists in three games with the AHL's Albany Devils.

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Signs continue to point to Kevin Shattenkirk's imminent departure from St. Louis.

While announcing the signing of forward Jaden Schwartz to a new five-year contract, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong listed a group of core players around whom he's looking to build a championship.

Shattenkirk's name was curiously omitted from that list of six.

• Goalie - Jake Allen
• Defensemen - Alex Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko
• Forwards - Schwartz, Vladimir Tarasenko, Robby Fabbri

The 27-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with the Blues and carries a cap hit of $4.25 million. He's likely to command a raise on his next deal, exceeding St. Louis' abilities to comply and thereby raising the very real possibility of a trade.

Shattenkirk's agent was surprised his client wasn't traded at the NHL Draft in late June, while the player himself is on record as saying he hopes the Blues trade him sooner rather than later.

Based on Armstrong's latest statement, it appears as though the writing is indeed on the wall.

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