Matty Beniers

Seattle Kraken center and Calder Trophy winner

Matthew Beniers (born November 5, 2002) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Kraken drafted Beniers second overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft with their first-ever selection in an entry draft. He played college ice hockey at Michigan. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 2023.

Quick Facts

Role: Center
Affiliation: Seattle Kraken (NHL)
Draft status: 2nd Overall Pick, 2021 NHL Entry Draft
First appearance: April 2, 2022
Status: Active Captain (since September 2023)
Key achievement: Calder Memorial Trophy Winner

Lore & Background

Beniers was born on November 5, 2002, in Hingham, Massachusetts, to parents Bob Beniers and Christine Maglione. His father played collegiate football at Cornell University while his mother was an understudy for A Chorus Line on Broadway before enrolling in law school. He played junior hockey with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he was alternate captain in 2019–20. He played college hockey at Michigan, leading the Big Ten in scoring in his sophomore season and being named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He was selected second overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL entry draft, signed an entry-level contract on April 10, 2022, and made his NHL debut on April 12, 2022. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2023. On August 20, 2024, the Kraken and Beniers agreed to a 7-year, $50 million contract extension.

Reader's Guide

Beniers is a center for the Seattle Kraken. He represented the United States at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships (bronze), 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (gold), 2021 IIHF World Championship (bronze), and 2022 Winter Olympics (fifth place).

Did You Know?

He led all NHL rookies in points (57) and tied for the lead in goals (24) during the 2022–23 season.
Beniers was named to the 2023 NHL All-Star Game but missed it due to injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Matty Beniers?

He is an American professional ice hockey center who plays for the Seattle Kraken in the NHL. Beniers serves as the team's captain and was their first-ever draft selection.

How did Matty Beniers join the Kraken?

The franchise selected him with the second overall pick during the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. His arrival provided an immediate star presence for Seattle's inaugural season.

What major award has Matty Beniers won?

He received the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie following his first year in the league. This honor highlighted his exceptional performance during the team's expansion debut.