Seattle Kraken Prospect Focus: Matty Beniers is the Start of a Strong Foundation
A Strong Draft Year Despite the Shortened Season
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to be problematic for Beniers and the Wolverines. Their season was shortened from its original 34 game format. However, the 18-year-old pivot still managed to end his season at a point-per-game pace, putting up 24 points (10g, 14a) in 24 games. He finished the year 3rd in the league in freshman scoring and 3rd on his team in points.
At the conclusion of their season, the Wolverines competed in the 2021 Big 10 Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament. Shutting out their rivals, Ohio State, 4-0 in the quarter-finals, they set themselves up for a showdown against Minnesota in the Semifinals. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in overtime.
Following the tournament, Michigan was set to compete in the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament. However, they were removed before they had the chance to compete due to several positive COVID-19 tests. This resulted in them forfeiting their opening match against Minnesota–Duluth.
Despite the devastating blow to end Michigan’s season, Beniers was still predicted by experts to be the consensus number two selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. On June 2, 2021, the NHL held its draft lottery. The Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, and Anaheim Ducks would draft in the Top 3, respectively.
The Buffalo Sabres selected Michigan defenseman Owen Power first overall. It was no surprise that Seattle Kraken General Manager, Ron Francis, announced the second overall selection to be Matty Beniers. He became the first draft pick in franchise history, and his style seemed to compliment the vision Francis had for his new team.