Seattle Kraken sign first-ever draft choice Matty Beniers
Anthony Scultore
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The expansion Seattle Kraken on Sunday signed their first-ever draft choice — Michigan star forward Matty Beniers — to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The deal for Beniers, who was taken second overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, is worth about $2.7 million, according to Sportsnet.
“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.”
Seattle Kraken
Kraken sign Matty Beniers
The Kraken said Beniers, 19, is expected to practice with the team on Monday and travel with the squad for games in Calgary and Winnipeg this week. The Kraken didn’t announce a date for his NHL debut, however.
“It’s truly an honor to join the Kraken organization, officially, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Beniers via the team’s website. “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.”
Beniers ended his sophomore season at Michigan by posting a team-high 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) in 37 games. The point total was good for a 13th-place tie in the NCAA.
–Field Level Media contributed to this article.