Seattle Kraken sign Matty Beniers to entry-level contract

The Seattle Kraken have signed center Matty Beniers to an entry-level contract.

The Kraken selected Beniers second overall in the 2021 NHL draft, also making him the Kraken’s first draft pick in the history of the franchise. He’s also the first of the seven draft selections the team made that they’ve signed.

Beniers spent the last two seasons with the University of Michigan, scoring 10 goals and 24 points in 24 games in his draft year, and followed that with 20 goals and 43 points in 37 games this season, named as a Hobey Baker finalist as a result. He helped lead Michigan to a Frozen Four appearance this year, losing 3-2 in overtime in the semifinals to the University of Denver, the eventual winner of the tournament.

Beniers also spent some time in international hockey over the past two seasons. He played for Team USA’s 2021 world junior team, winning a gold medal and scoring a goal and three points in seven games that tournament, and followed it up with an assist in one game this year before the tournament was cancelled. He also helped their 2021 World Championship team to bronze with a goal and an assist in six games and was on their Olympic team in Beijing this year with a goal and an assist in four games.

Beniers is expected to practice and travel with the team on its upcoming Western Canadian road trip.