August 20, 2024, SEATTLE, Wash. – The Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) announced today that they’ve secured a seven-year contract ($7.14m AAV) with forward Matty Beniers. This makes Beniers the first draft pick in the franchise’s history to sign an extension with the Kraken.

“Since his NHL debut, Matty has been an essential member of our team, contributing not just in games but also showing dedication to our community and fans,” stated Ron Francis, the General Manager of Seattle Kraken. “Securing Matty with a new contract was a prime focus for our offseason, and we’re thrilled to have accomplished it. We are eager to see Matty evolve as a player and contribute to more memorable moments for our franchise.”

Beniers became the first draft pick in the history of the Kraken franchise when he was selected second-overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. He continued to establish franchise records as the first draft pick to sign a professional contract and make his debut with the team in his first NHL game on April 12, 2022, against Calgary. In the 2023-23 season, his immediate impact on the League was recognized when he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie and was named to the NHL All-Rookie team after leading all rookies in goals (24, tied), points (57) and even-strength points (46). He also ranked second among first-year players with 33 assists and four game-winning goals. His performance in the 2022-23 season led to his selection for the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, although an injury forced him to withdraw.

During the 2023-24 season, Beniers, playing with the Kraken, collected 37 points from 15 goals and 22 assists in 77 regular-season games. He was the sixth highest scorer on the team. Beniers set a personal and team record by winning 527 faceoffs and scoring six power-play goals and 13 power-play points – both career-bests. During this season, Beniers reached several milestones: on October 30, he became the first ever draft pick of the franchise and the third player from the 2021 NHL Draft to play in 100 regular-season NHL games, this particular game was against Tampa Bay. Later, he became the first franchise draft pick and the sixth player to score 100 points for the Kraken, accomplishing this feat with a goal against Anaheim on April 5.

Beniers, a six-foot-two, 178-pound forward, has tallied 103 points (42 goals, 61 assists) in 167 regular-season games in his career. This accomplishment places him as one of only two skaters from the 2021 draft class, alongside Wyatt Johnston, to hit the 100-point mark. In the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Beniers added seven points (three goals, four assists) from 14 playoff games with the Kraken, ending the postseason as the top-scoring rookie.

Before embarking on his professional journey, Beniers spent two seasons playing collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan, where he amassed 67 points, comprising 30 goals and 37 assists, in 61 games. His time at Michigan was decorated with numerous accolades. Notably, he was a top 10 finalist for the 2021-22 Hobey Baker Award and received the NCAA First Team All-American honor for 2021-22. In the 2020-21 season, he was named Big Ten All-Rookie and in the following year, he was included in the NCAA All-Academic Third Team. Additionally, he was given an honorable mention in the All-Big Ten list for 2020-21.

Originally from Hingham, Massachusetts, Beniers has played for the United States in almost all levels of international competition. He achieved a gold medal with Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2021 and later earned a bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship the same year. In 2022, Beniers was chosen to represent the United States at the Winter Olympic Games, where he scored a goal and contributed an assist in four tournament games.