Matty Beniers Selection

Center and alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken, drafted 2nd overall in 2021, and 2023 Calder Memorial Trophy winner.

Matthew Beniers (born November 5, 2002) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center and alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Quick Facts

Role: Center; Captain (named 2024)
Draft year: 2021
Draft round: 1st
Overall pick: 6th
Previous team: University of Michigan
Status: Franchise Icon

Lore & Background

Beniers was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, to Bob Beniers and Christine Maglione. His father played collegiate football at Cornell University, and his mother was an understudy for A Chorus Line on Broadway before enrolling in law school. He played college ice hockey at Michigan and was drafted second overall by the Kraken in the 2021 NHL entry draft, the team's first-ever draft selection. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 2023.

Reader's Guide

Beniers is a center and alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken. He was drafted 2nd overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft. He played college hockey at Michigan. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2023.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Matty Beniers in the context of the Kraken's history?

Matty Beniers was selected sixth overall by Seattle in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, instantly becoming the franchise's first captain and a central figure in its inaugural era. Hailing from the University of Michigan, he served as the immediate face of the team during its transition from an expansion concept to a competitive reality.

What role did Beniers play for the Seattle Kraken?

As a center, Beniers was tasked with leading the offense and setting the tone for the new franchise right out of the gate. His selection as captain made him the symbolic heart of Seattle's hockey resurgence and the primary leader on the ice.

How did Beniers' selection impact the franchise's identity?

His arrival defined the early culture of the organization by establishing a standard of excellence and leadership that fans could rally behind. As a franchise icon from day one, he helped solidify the team's identity as a serious contender in the NHL.

What was Beniers' status before joining Seattle?

Prior to being drafted, Beniers starred at the University of Michigan, where his performance caught the attention of scouts looking for elite talent. The Kraken viewed him as the perfect cornerstone to build their inaugural roster around due to his proven skill and leadership qualities.