On August 20, 2024, the Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) from Seattle, Washington, disclosed that they have finalized a seven-year contract agreement with forward Matty Beniers, at an average annual value (AAV) of $7.14 million. This makes Beniers the first-ever draft pick in the history of the franchise to sign an extension with the Kraken.

“Since his NHL debut, Matty has been an integral member of our team, both on the field and in his dedication to our community and fans,” stated Ron Francis, the General Manager of Seattle Kraken. “Securing Matty with a new contract was high on our offseason agenda, and we’re thrilled to have accomplished it. We anticipate seeing Matty’s growth as a player and look forward to his contributions to future memorable moments for our franchise.”

Beniers made history as the Kraken’s inaugural draft pick, chosen second in the 2021 NHL Draft. He further established franchise records by being the first drafted player to sign a professional contract and debut with the team in an NHL game on April 12, 2022, in Calgary. His impressive rookie performance in the 2022-23 season won him the Calder Memorial Trophy for the best rookie in the NHL, and he was also named to the NHL All-Rookie team after leading all first-year players in goals (24, tied), points (57), and even-strength points (46). Additionally, he ranked second among rookies with 33 assists and four game-winning goals. Beniers was selected for the 2023 NHL All-Star Game due to his outstanding efforts in the 2022-23 season, but he had to withdraw due to an injury.

In the previous season, Beniers amassed 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) during 77 regular games with the Kraken. By the end of the 2023-24 season, he was the team’s sixth highest scorer. He led the team and marked a career-high with 527 faceoffs won, and also scored a personal best of six power-play goals and 13 power-play points. The 2023-24 campaign saw Beniers achieve several milestones, including being the Kraken’s first-ever draft pick and the third player from the 2021 NHL Draft to play in 100 regular-season NHL games, a feat he accomplished on Oct. 30 against Tampa Bay. Later, he became the first draft pick and sixth player in the team’s history to rack up 100 points for the Kraken, achieved with a goal on April 5 against Anaheim.

Beniers, who stands at six-foot-two and weighs 178 pounds, has accumulated 103 points (42 goals, 61 assists) in his 167 regular-season career games. This makes him one of only two players from the 2021 draft class, alongside Wyatt Johnston, to achieve over 100 points. In the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Beniers added seven points (three goals, four assists) to his tally in 14 playoff games with the Kraken, topping the postseason scoring chart for rookies.

Before embarking on his professional journey, Beniers played two seasons of university hockey at the University of Michigan, accumulating 67 points, which included 30 goals and 37 assists, in 61 games. During his time at Michigan, Beniers received several awards. He was a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award (2021-22) and was recognized as NCAA First Team All-American (2021-22), Big Ten All-Rookie (2020-21), and NCAA All-Academic Third Team (2021-22). Additionally, he was an honorable mention for All-Big Ten (2020-21).

Beniers, originally from Hingham, Massachusetts, has stood for the United States in almost every tier of international competition. In 2021, he garnered a gold medal for Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship, followed by a bronze at the IIHF World Championship the same year. He was later chosen to represent the U.S. at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, where he scored a goal and provided an assist in four matches of the tournament.