Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) warms up before a game against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4aaa7ed0-5652-471f-bad7-2bcf60ce1b4c.jpeg] Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) warms up before a game against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images For the second consecutive season, Matty Beniers failed to replicate his Calder Trophy-winning season point total, but Beniers improved in other ways in his third NHL season with the Seattle Kraken. Scoring 20 goals and 43 points in 82 games, the 22-year-old finished four goals and 14 points shy of his rookie season totals. Although the goals and point totals are lower than what the Kraken were hoping for, Beniers broke out in other facets of the game. He took another step in the defensive side of the game and became trusted by HC Dan Bylsma to do so very quickly. On the season, Beniers averaged the most ice time of his career, 18:41. Offensively, what Beniers can improve is his aggressiveness. He's a phenomenal skater and puck handler, but at times he plays too cautiously. He fired just 147 shots on goal this season, less than two a game (1.80 per game). Similar to teammate Shane Wright, the Kraken wants their young center duo to play a little more selfishly. "I think I grew in some areas," said Beniers. "I got more chances this season, I was able to hold onto the puck more, which built my confidence up more than I had last season. Defensively, I think I was continuing to grow there and continued to play against some big names and continued to try to shut those guys down. It's a lot of fun playing against the McDavid's and the Matthews' and trying to keep them off the board." Kraken's Shane Wright Looking To Be More Selfish [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bc605b05-af9f-479b-a6f6-2c7a82060925.jpeg] Kraken's Shane Wright Looking To Be More Selfish The Seattle Kraken held their locker clean-out press conferences, and Shane Wright discussed what he feels he needs to do to take the next step. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/krakens-shane-wright-looking-to-be-more-selfish] The acquisition of Kaapo Kakko and the promotion of Jani Nyman helped Beniers offensively, and if the ending of the 2024-25 campaign is any indication, that could be the first line newly hired head coach Lane Lambert jots down. Lambert prides himself on his defensive structure [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/latest-news/kraken-s-lane-lambert-believes-defensive-structure-will-lead-to-wins] and plans on incorporating it with this Kraken group. Beniers hasn't always received the brunt of the difficult matchups, but he'll be 23 a month into the season and should be both physically and mentally prepared for that role. If Lambert can help Beniers in any way, it is likely on the defensive side of the puck [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/latest-news/kraken-round-out-coaching-staff-with-trio-of-hires], and he could elevate him into a Selke Trophy contender. At 6'2, 181 lbs, Beniers could fill out his frame and add another physical element to his game. It would, of course, help him defensively, but being stronger and just an overall more difficult player to defend in front of the net could help him score more goals. In transition, Beniers is a nightmare for defenders, but while cycling the puck in the opposition's zone, defenders feel comfortable with their ability to keep Beniers to the outside and away from the dangerous areas of the ice. The Kraken put a lot of faith in Beniers when they signed him to a seven-year, $7,142,857 contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/latest-news/breaking-kraken-sign-matty-beniers-to-seven-year-contract-extension] last offseason, a deal that signifies they believe he is a top-six center who can help the Kraken win in the NHL. Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwrODfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story.
