The Seattle Kraken have solidified their future by securing center Matty Beniers with a seven-year contract extension that will keep the NHL’s first-ever draft pick in franchise history through the 2030-31 season. The deal, announced on Tuesday, averages $7.14 million per year, marking Beniers as the first Seattle draft pick to sign a contract extension.
“Matty has been a core part of our team since making his NHL debut, not only on the ice, but in his commitment to our community and our fans,” said Seattle general manager Ron Francis. “Signing Matty to a new contract was a top priority for our offseason, and we are excited to have it done. We’re looking forward to seeing Matty take the next steps as a player and watching him contribute to many more memorable moments for our franchise.”
Beniers, selected second overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, made a significant impact in Seattle’s inaugural season, showcasing his potential as one of the league’s top young centers. In his first full season with the Kraken, he scored 24 goals and tallied 57 points, earning the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. His stellar performance played a crucial role in leading Seattle to the playoffs in just their second season.
However, Beniers and the Kraken experienced a setback last season. Despite his promising start, Beniers struggled to maintain his offensive production, recording only 15 goals and 37 points. His shooting percentage dropped from 16.2% in his rookie year to 11.3%, reflecting broader challenges for a Kraken team that struggled offensively throughout the season.
As the Kraken head into the new season under new coach Dan Bylsma, there is hope that Beniers can recapture his rookie form and rejuvenate Seattle’s offense. Last season, the Kraken averaged just 2.61 goals per game and were shut out or held to one goal in 27 games. Improving Beniers’ consistency as a point scorer will be critical for addressing these offensive issues.
Beniers’ return to his top form could play a pivotal role in the Kraken’s quest to improve their scoring and make a deeper playoff run. With the confidence of a long-term commitment from the franchise, Beniers will be looking to rebound from a challenging season and contribute significantly to Seattle’s success in the years to come.
