(Seattle) The Seattle Kraken have signed forward Matthew Beniers to a seven-year, $50 million contract, general manager Ron Francis announced in a statement Tuesday.
Beniers thus became the first draft pick in the history of the Washington State franchise to ratify a contract extension with it.
“Our priority this summer was to sign Matty on a contract extension, and we are thrilled to have done so,” Francis said. “We look forward to seeing Matty take the next steps as a player and contribute to many more memorable moments for our franchise.”
The 21-year-old American notably won the Calder Trophy awarded to the Bettman circuit’s most outstanding rookie in 2022-23, after scoring 24 goals and collecting 33 assists in 80 games.
He has 42 goals and 61 assists in 167 career games with the Kraken. Beniers also added three goals and four assists in 14 playoff games.
Beniers became the first player to be drafted by the Kraken, second overall, in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.