Matty Beniers Signs 7 Year Contract Extension
Photo Credit: dailyfaceoff.com
21-year-old center, Matty Beniers, has signed a 7-year contract with the Seattle Kraken worth $49.98 million, keeping him with the team until 2031. The contract has an average annual value of $7.14 million.
Seattle has shown confidence in Beniers by signing him to a 7-year contract, hoping he will become their top centerman in the future. Although he struggled last year, with 15 goals and 22 assists in 77 games, the $7.14 million cap hit seems high for his current production. However, with the salary cap set to increase and Beniers being just 21 years old, there is optimism that he will elevate his game over time. In his rookie season, Beniers won the Calder Trophy with 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 80 games, leading the Kraken to their first playoff appearance. Although they defeated the reigning Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, they were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the following round. As the former 2nd overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft, Beniers will face even more pressure as Seattle aims to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Seattle has been investing significantly in this offseason to become more competitive. Although the team doesn't have a clear NHL star, it is expected that they will be a stronger team after securing big contracts for Stanley Cup Champion defenseman Brandon Montour, who signed a 7-year $50 million deal as a second-line center, and former Stanley Cup Champion Chandler Stephenson, who signed a 7-year $43.75 million contract. The Kraken are adding players with a winning pedigree to their young team. While some believe the Kraken are overspending, they are confident that they can compete in the Western Conference. The core players of the Kraken are under contract for the foreseeable future and are all eager to bounce back this season.