The Seattle Kraken have signed one of their franchise cornerstones to a long-term contract.
Centre Matty Beniers and the Kraken agreed to a seven-year, $49.98 million contract extension on Tuesday. The contract carries an average annual value of $7.14 million.
“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,” Kraken GM Ron Francis said. “Signing Matty to a new contract was a top priority for our off-season, 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, 21, was a restricted free agent this off-season after finishing his three-year, entry-level contract.
He was the first-ever draft selection made by the Kraken, who took him second overall in 2021. Since turning pro in 2022, Beiners has amassed 42 goals and 103 points in 167 games.
Beniers appeared in 77 games over the 2023-24 season, recording 37 points (15 goals and 22 assists).
Beniers was the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NHL draft and made his debut late in Seattle’s inaugural season. He flashed as one of the top young centres in the league during his first full season with the Kraken when he had 24 goals and 57 points and was selected as the top rookie in the league. Beniers helped lead Seattle to the playoffs in just its second season.
But Beniers took a step back last season along with the rest of the Kraken lineup as scoring became a constant challenge for the team. Beniers had just 15 goals and 37 points, and had his shooting rate drop from 16.2% percent in 2022-23 to 11.3% last season.
Seattle will be hoping that Beniers can rediscover the offensive form from his rookie season under new coach Dan Bylsma. Defense and goaltending were not the issue last season for the Kraken and ended up with them missing the playoffs. It was problems at the offensive end, where Seattle averaged just 2.61 goals per game and was held to zero or one goal 27 times in 82 games.
Beniers returning to being a consistent point scorer would be a big step in helping the overall offence. Beniers didn’t pick up his first goal until game No. 14 last season and he had just 19 points in the first 45 games prior to the All-Star break.
Beniers’ extension is the same length and value as what defenseman Brandon Montour signed with the Kraken in free agency.
— With files from The Associated Press
The Seattle Kraken made a big splash in the NHL world recently by signing top prospect Matty Beniers to a seven-year contract. The 19-year-old center was the second overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and is considered one of the most promising young talents in the league.
Beniers, who played college hockey at the University of Michigan, is known for his strong two-way game and high hockey IQ. He has the potential to be a franchise player for the Kraken and could make an immediate impact on the team’s roster.
The seven-year contract is a significant commitment from the Kraken, but it shows their confidence in Beniers’ ability to develop into a top-tier player. The length of the contract also gives Beniers stability and security as he begins his professional career.
With Beniers now officially signed, Kraken fans can look forward to seeing him take the ice and showcase his skills in the upcoming season. His addition to the team adds depth and talent to their lineup, and could help propel the Kraken to success in their inaugural season.
Overall, the signing of Matty Beniers is a major move for the Seattle Kraken and sets the stage for an exciting future for both the team and their young star player. Fans will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating Beniers’ debut and watching his development as he grows into a key player for the franchise.