August 20, 2024, SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) revealed today that they’ve successfully negotiated a seven-year contract ($7.14m AAV) with forward Matty Beniers. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that a draft pick, Beniers, has signed an extension with the Kraken.

“Since his NHL debut, Matty has been an integral member of our team, both on the ice and in his dedication to our community and fans,” stated Ron Francis, General Manager of the Seattle Kraken. “Securing Matty with a new contract was a high priority for our offseason, and we’re thrilled to have accomplished it. We are eager to see Matty progress as a player and contribute to many more unforgettable moments for our franchise.”

Beniers made history as the Kraken’s first-ever draft pick, chosen second overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. He went on to set more franchise records by becoming 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, in Calgary. In the 2022-23 season, he immediately made an impression in the League, clinching the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top rookie and receiving NHL All-Rookie honors. Beniers led all rookies in goals (24, tied), points (57), and even-strength points (46), and ranked second among first-year players with 33 assists and four game-winning goals. His performance in the 2022-23 season secured him a spot in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, but he had to withdraw due to an injury.

During the previous season, Beniers amassed a total of 37 points, comprised of 15 goals and 22 assists, in 77 regular-season games with the Kraken. This performance placed him sixth in the team’s overall scoring for the 2023-24 season. He also set a new personal and team record by winning 527 faceoffs. Furthermore, Beniers scored a personal best of six power-play goals and 13 power-play points. The 2023-24 campaign saw him reach several milestones; he became the first Kraken draft pick, and third from the 2021 NHL Draft, to participate in 100 regular-season NHL games, a feat he achieved on Oct. 30 against Tampa Bay. Later, Beniers also became the first franchise draft pick and sixth player overall to accumulate 100 points with the Kraken, scoring a goal on April 5 against Anaheim.

Beniers, a six-foot-two, 178-pound forward, has amassed 103 points (42 goals, 61 assists) in 167 regular-season games throughout his career. This record makes him one of only two skaters from the 2021 draft class, alongside Wyatt Johnston, to achieve over 100 points. During the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Beniers also gathered seven points (three goals, four assists) in 14 playoff games with the Kraken, ending the postseason as the highest-scoring rookie.

Before embarking on his professional career, Beniers spent two seasons playing collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan. He amassed a total of 67 points, consisting of 30 goals and 37 assists, in 61 games. His time at Michigan was marked by numerous accomplishments. Notably, he was a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award (2021-22) and received the NCAA First Team All-American (2021-22), Big Ten All-Rookie (2020-21), and NCAA All-Academic Third Team (2021-22) honors. He was also named an All-Big Ten honorable mention (2020-21).

Hailing from Hingham, Massachusetts, Beniers has been a representative for the United States in nearly all levels of international competitions. In the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, he secured a gold medal with Team USA and later garnered a bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship in the same year. Beniers was also chosen to represent the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, where he accomplished scoring a goal and making an assist in four tournament matches.