"Seven-Year, Nearly $50 Million Deal: Kraken Acquires Matty Beniers as New Signing"
The Seattle Kraken secured their inaugural draft selection, forward Matty Beniers, on Tuesday with a seven-year, $49.98 million contract extension that carries an average annual value of $7.14 million.
Beniers, who is 21 years old, was a restricted free agent and was chosen by Seattle, an expansion team, as the second pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
\"Matty has been a vital part of our team since his NHL debut, not only on the ice but also in his dedication to our community and fans,\" stated Kraken general manager Ron Francis in a press release. \"Re-signing Matty was a top priority for us this offseason, and we are thrilled to have it finalized. We are eager to see Matty progress as a player and contribute to many more unforgettable moments for our franchise.\"
Beniers made his NHL debut in 2022, appearing in 10 games and earning nine points (three goals, six assists). In his first complete season, he tallied 24 goals, 33 assists, and a plus-14 rating in 80 regular-season games, ultimately winning the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie.
He also contributed three goals, four assists, and a plus-6 rating in 14 playoff games that year.
In 2023-24, Beniers recorded 15 goals, 22 assists, and a minus-11 rating in 77 games, bringing his career totals to 42 goals, 61 assists, 103 points, and a plus-2 rating in 167 regular-season games.
