2021 NHL Draft Profile: Matty Beniers Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTg1MDUwOTQxNzQ0ODE3NDMz/matt-beniers-2.jpg] BORN: Nov. 5, 2002, Hingham, Mass. 2020-21: Michigan POS: C HT 6-1 WT: 174 SHOOTS: L INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICES: No. 7 Everything you need to know about Beniers can be distilled from his usage at the World Junior Championship in Edmonton, where Team USA coach Nate Leaman counted on the pivot to take crucial defensive-zone faceoffs whilst protecting leads in the medal round. Keep in mind: Beniers was the youngest player on the roster, yet he was instrumental in the Americans winning gold. Mobility, playmaking and desire are among the hallmarks of his game, and he’s heady and hardworking, too. “He plays the game the right way,” said one scout. “He plays fast, he’s on pucks, he has skill, and he can make a play. I think the tournament helped him. We had a good book on him from last year’s NTDP, but this just put a stamp on the kind of player he is.” Beniers didn’t just have a good couple of weeks in Edmonton – he was also excellent as an NCAA freshman with Michigan, finishing third in team scoring. “Every coach is going to want to coach him,” said another scout. “He’s got that motor. We’ve known Beniers for a couple of years, and sometimes that can work against a player because you get fatigued, but I don’t think anyone has that with Matty.”