The Seattle Kraken have signed forward Matty Beniers to a three-year Entry Level Contract.
Beniers, 19, was the Kraken's first-ever draft pick when they took him second overall at the 2021 NHL Draft. He is expected to join the team for practice on Monday.
There is a lot of hype surrounding the Massachusetts-born centerman.
"It's truly an honor to join the Kraken organization, officially, and I can't wait to get started," said Beniers. "Although we fell short of our goal, I loved my time with Michigan and am looking forward to the next step in my journey. Being drafted last summer was surreal. I'm excited to get to Seattle."
At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Benier recorded 20 goals and 43 points in 37 games during his second season in the NCAA. The Wolverines were eliminated in the Frozen Four semifinals by the eventual champion Denver. It only took three days for the Kraken to sign him following his elimination from the tournament.
Beniers also skated for Team USA on two occasions this season. He had one assist in his lone game at the World Juniors prior to the tournament being cancelled. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, he had a goal and an assist in four games for the Americans.
"We're excited to officially welcome Matty to our organization," said Kraken GM Ron Francis. "He capped off a productive career at Michigan with a trip to the Frozen Four and has impressed our staff over the past couple of years with his leadership and strong two-way game. We're looking forward to working with him as he takes the next step in his development."
This is a huge signing for the Seattle Kraken as they like to put their inaugural season behind them.
