The Seattle Kraken have addressed their largest query of the offseason by re-signing third-year heart Matthew Beniers to a seven-year, $50 million contract, averaging $7 million yearly.
Beniers was Seattle’s first-ever NHL Draft decide when he was chosen No. 2 within the 2021 NHL Draft. He had a stellar rookie season in 2022. He led all first-year gamers in factors (57) and plus-minus (plus-14), tied for the NHL lead in objectives (24) and ranked second in assists (33).
After successful the Calder Trophy because the NHL’s finest rookie, Beniers cooled off in 2023. In 77 video games, he recorded 37 factors with solely 15 objectives with a detrimental plus-minus (minus-11).
As Seattle’s top-line heart, Beniers is essential to the crew’s offensive success. His efficiency impacts the effectiveness of the primary line, which incorporates the sharpshooting Jared McCann and versatile Jordan Eberle.
When Beniers is on the high of his sport, the Kraken first-line offense is likely one of the finest within the NHL His presence in entrance of the web creates chaos for opposing goaltenders. This causes defensemen to focus and observe him leaving gamers like McCann with a gap and loads of house to shoot. This facet was lacking from his sport in 2023 and Seattle needed to accept low-percentage photographs.
A powerful bounce-back season for Beniers is important with 50 factors as a comparative benchmark set by his rookie season. If he can’t return to rookie kind, this large extension will begin to bitter shortly.
After finalizing the deal, Kraken basic supervisor Ron Francis spoke to the media. He highlighted Beniers’ significance to the crew, noting his on-ice contributions and dedication to the local people. Francis expressed pleasure about Beniers’ future with the franchise, emphasizing that the brand new contract aligns with the crew’s long-term imaginative and prescient.
Maybe Beniers is the explanation why the Kraken didn’t look to signal a star ahead in free company. The crew wanted reinforcements within the scoring division. As he appears to be like to harness the momentum of his new extension, the Kraken are hopeful Beniers could have a bounce-back season that may propel each his profession and the crew to new heights.
