Stars' Nill on Benn's transformative season
/Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill phoned in to Hockey Central @ Noon Thursday afternoon. He touched on the medical staff's heroics with Rich Peverley, rule changes, Tim Thomas and more.
One of his best answers came when asked how the Olympic experience helped Jamie Benn. The second part in particular was fascinating and Nill's observation is something most fans really wouldn't really have the access to see unfold.
"I think it just made Jamie realize he's an upper-echelon player. You know, we all sit there and watch games as a player and you try to judge yourself and probably a little bit of self-doubt of how good you are. All the sudden Jamie Benn got over there and started playing with the best players and became one of the best players and I think has just taken his game to another level.
"Even Jamie this year, when he gained the captaincy, it was amazing to see the growth in him. He just... he went from kind of a shy guy with his head down when he meets you to a guy that sticks his hand out, looks you in the eye - it's been amazing to watch his growth this year."