Matty Beniers Selection

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Lore & Background

His impact was immediate upon his NHL debut. Unlike many rookies who struggle with the jump to the professional level, Beniers displayed a maturity beyond his years, quickly earning the trust of fans and teammates alike. His selection and subsequent rapid rise set a new standard for what an expansion team could achieve in its first few seasons, turning him into a local legend within just a few years of arriving in Seattle.

In Their Own Story

The arena was silent, save for the hum of the refrigeration units, as the draft board flickered with anticipation. When the commissioner's voice echoed through the speakers announcing 'Matty Beniers,' the room erupted not just with cheers, but with a collective exhale of relief and excitement. In that moment, the Kraken found their identity. The young center stood tall in his Michigan jersey, eyes fixed on the future, unaware that he was about to become the first captain of a city's new dream.

Reader's Guide

The era began in July 2021 when the Seattle Kraken selected Matty Beniers sixth overall, signaling their commitment to building around elite young talent. This choice immediately established the team's identity as one that values two-way excellence and leadership. By the start of the 2021-22 season, Beniers was thrust into a prominent role, quickly proving his worth with steady performances against veteran opponents. His ability to handle pressure in crucial moments helped stabilize the young roster during their inaugural campaign. A pivotal moment arrived when the franchise named him their first-ever captain, a rare honor for such a young player. This decision cemented his status as the leader of the locker room and the emotional anchor for the fanbase. As the team evolved through its early years, Beniers remained the constant figurehead, guiding the Kraken through roster changes and growing pains to become a legitimate playoff contender in the Pacific Division.

Did You Know?

• Matty Beniers was named the second captain in Seattle Kraken history in 2024, following Mark Giordano, who was named the first captain on March 1, 2022.
• He won the Hobey Baker Award in 2022, after being drafted by Seattle in 2021.
• The franchise's first-ever hat trick was scored by Brandon Tanev on January 1, 2022, not by Jared McCann.

Collegiate Dominance at Michigan

After initially committing to Harvard, Matthew Beniers pivoted his collegiate path to the University of Michigan following the pandemic-induced cancellation of Ivy League sports. His freshman season was nothing short of explosive; he immediately made an impact by scoring in his very first game and finishing with ten goals and fourteen assists. Beniers distinguished himself statistically, leading all NCAA freshmen eligible for the NHL draft in both total goals and shots per game while posting a conference-leading plus-21 rating. His offensive prowess included a career hat-trick against Arizona State and a four-point performance versus Minnesota, earning him multiple weekly honors. Returning for his sophomore year, he cemented his legacy as a Big Ten Scoring Champion with 43 points in just 37 games. This outstanding season propelled him to unanimous All-Big Ten First Team status and secured his place as a finalist for both the prestigious Hobey Baker Award and the AHCA West First Team All-American, marking him as one of the premier talents in college hockey history.

Historic NHL Debut and Rookie Triumph

Matthew Beniers entered professional hockey with immense pressure as the Seattle Kraken's inaugural draft pick, selected second overall in 2021. After a period of deliberation regarding his future between returning to Michigan or turning pro, he signed an entry-level contract and made his league debut just two days later against the Calgary Flames. He quickly adapted, recording his first assist immediately and scoring his maiden NHL goal shortly after against the New Jersey Devils. His true breakout occurred during his first full season in 2022-23, where he was named to the All-Star Game before a season-ending injury sidelined him from the event. Despite missing the showcase, Beniers dominated the rookie class, appearing in 80 games and leading all newcomers with 57 points while tying for the goal-scoring lead. His exceptional performance culminated on June 26, when he was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy, officially recognizing him as the league's Rookie of the Year.

International Gold Medalist

On the global stage, Beniers has been a consistent contributor to United States national teams across various age groups and tournaments. His international journey began at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he helped secure a bronze medal with two goals in seven games. He achieved significant success at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships as the youngest player on the roster; playing second-line center, he averaged over 17 minutes of ice time and contributed three points to lead Team USA to a gold medal victory. That same year, he made history by becoming only the fifth Michigan Wolverine to represent his country at both the World Juniors and the IIHF World Championship in a single season, adding another bronze medal to his collection. His international career continued with a fifth-place finish at the 2022 Winter Olympics and reached its pinnacle at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded six points in ten games to help Team USA capture their first gold medal since 1933.

Franchise Cornerstone and Contractual Future

Matthew Beniers has rapidly evolved from a promising prospect into the foundational piece of the Seattle Kraken franchise. Recognizing his immense value after his Calder Trophy-winning season, the organization moved decisively to secure his long-term future. On August 20, 2024, the Kraken and Beniers agreed to a substantial seven-year contract extension worth $50 million. This agreement underscores the team's view of him as a cornerstone player around whom the franchise will be built for years to come. As an alternate captain, his leadership role has grown alongside his on-ice production, bridging the gap between the team's expansion era and its established identity. The contract not only reflects his past achievements but also signals the high expectations management holds for him as he continues to develop into one of the league's elite centers.