Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers is a player who wants to excel on both offense and defense.
In 2022-2023, the 20-year-old won the Calder Trophy after collecting 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in 80 games. The first-year player also maintained a +14 rating.
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Many already consider him to be a complete center who will eventually be in the running for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the National League’s best defensive forward.
The man who grew up southeast of Boston doesn’t hide the fact that he’s inspired by Patrice Bergeron. The Quebecer won the Selke six times – a record – in a Bruins jersey. He retired last July and is expected to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame at some point.
“I tried to model my game after him,” said Beniers, whose comments were reported by the website NHL.com.
“I try to take the same approach as him,” he added. I want to be a good 200-foot player who takes responsibility on the ice and can be used in all situations, but also scores goals. That’s exactly the player I want to be.”
Unique…
Beniers isn’t the only one drawing comparisons between himself and the former Bruins star.
“I’ve talked to him about it before and I know that’s how he sees himself and it’s something unique,” Kraken forward Jordan Eberle said. Generally, players coming into the league view themselves as good scorers or big point producers. Bergeron is obviously a future Hall of Famer and a player with very good stats, but he is best known for winning Selke Trophies and his play in the defensive zone.
“To see a young player with this mentality is rare and exciting. He wants to win. Yes, a comparison is definitely possible. As he gets stronger and gets experience in this league, he can become that type of player.”