SEATTLES | First pick in Kraken history and second pick in the 2021 draft, Matty Beniers makes the luck of his bosses and the supporters of this fledgling franchise.
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Beniers’ name leads two major NHL rookie categories: goals (10) and points (21).
“Matty is good, really good,” beaming Yanni Gourde said after Monday’s Kraken workout. I like the way he runs with the puck. He’s been playing his best hockey lately. I think he’s mature, he plays well defensively. That’s a big plus for the team. He gives our team a lot of confidence. »
Before the Canadian’s visit to Seattle, Beniers had accumulated 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in his last 7 games.
Sitting in front of his locker in the Kraken Training Center locker room, the 20-year-old center keeps his feet on the ground when he’s reminded that he’s dominating the rookies on the track and having happier days.
“Yes, I like seeing my name among the good recruits,” he replied shyly. But it’s easier to play well when the team is winning. And that is the most important. Sometimes hockey stays weird. I’m playing well, but I’m in a moment where I’m going to finish almost every chance I get. »
Two years in Michigan
Like Owen Power, the first overall winner in the 2021 draft, Beniers didn’t make the jump to the NHL last fall. Power and Beniers, two teammates with the Wolverines, extended their stint at the University of Michigan by a few months.
“There was no question that it was the right decision,” said Beniers. I never thought of any other option. I wanted to go back to Michigan. School is also very important for my family. My parents always pushed me in this direction. They felt that one year at university was not enough. »
“I’ve never heard a player say they made the jump too late. But we often hear the opposite, he continued. There was no emergency for the NHL. I also liked our team with the Wolverines, we wanted to win a championship. There were some good players even though we didn’t win. It’s been a great season. »
In Seattle, Beniers doesn’t feel like he has to carry the team on his shoulders.
“The fans are good to me, but they’re still learning about hockey,” he said. It’s still a young market. There are people in Seattle who don’t quite understand the rules yet. I don’t feel any particular pressure and neither does Shane (Wright). We also count on the presence of good veterans to help us. »
An enriching experience
Last year, Beniers also took part in the Olympic Games in Beijing with the American team. A few days after the Wolverines were eliminated, the Massachusetts center identified the Kraken for the final ten games of the 2021-2022 season. In his first steps in the NHL, he had already caused a stir with nine points (three goals, six assists).
“It was great for my confidence,” he recalled. I played ten games, understood what the NHL level is like, and had time to get to know my teammates. When I arrived at Kraken Camp I felt good. I knew everyone. I also got rid of the nervousness of playing at the NHL level. »
Dave Hakstol, not the silliest of coaches, isn’t afraid to show his teeth when discussing number 10.
“Last year Matty showed his potential in the last ten games of the season. But it was in a completely different context. We’re eliminated from the playoffs. We suspected he would have a fairly smooth transition as he remained quiet on his debut last year. Since day one of the camp I have liked his approach and confidence. He’s already a very important player for us and he is every day. »