2023 Calder Trophy Winner Could Become Restricted Free Agent On July 1
In a technical sense, the clock is ticking on negotiations between Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis and his young star center Matty Beniers.
If a deal isn't completed by July 1, Beniers becomes a restricted free agent.
However, the question is not whether the 2023 Calder Cup winner as the NHL's top rookie will re-sign to stay in Seattle. The issue being hammered out between GM and player is for how much and for how long.
A shorter "bridge" deal of four years would be less expensive for the Kraken on an annual basis - but if Beniers pans out the way the Kraken are confident he will - his next contract could be enormous, even by today's standards.
Or, the parties may decide on a 7+ year deal at a higher average annual value (AAV). This has the benefit of cost certainty and long-term security, but leaves the team crossing its fingers that Beniers' drop in production last season was an anomaly.
The GM expressed no such concerns about his young employee in this Kraken Reaction.