The NHL Department of Player Safety has officially fined Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn $2,604.17, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for a cross-check on Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman.
#TexasHockey Jamie Benn was fined $2604.17 - the maximum allowable under the CBA - by @NHLPlayerSafety for his cross-check to the head of #mnwild Ryan Hartman in Game 5.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 29, 2026
The incident occurred during a chaotic second period in Tuesday night’s pivotal Game 5 at American Airlines Center. Following a whistle in the offensive zone, Benn delivered a forceful cross-check to the ribs and back of the head of an unsuspecting Hartman. The play resulted in a two-minute minor penalty for cross-checking.
This isn’t Benn’s first instance of dangerous cross-checking, even in the postseason. He received a two-game suspension for cross-checking Mark Stone in the 2023 Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Benn tallied 15 goals and 21 assists for 36 points in 60 games, which was the lowest point total in his career in a season with at least 60 games played. He has been held scoreless through the first-round this far.
The Stars will look to keep their season alive when they return to Minnesota for Game 6 of their first round series on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT