Impact of Quinton Byfield's Contract on Kraken and Matty Beniers

Byfield's contract follows a strategy similar to Auston Matthews' five-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, allowing him to become a UFA at 26. Byfield will also be 26 when his new deal ends.

The advantage of such contracts is that players become UFAs in their prime, positioning them for long-term extensions that expire while they are still highly effective.

Byfield and Beniers share many similarities. Both are second-overall picks from 2002 and are centers. Beniers' NHL success came quicker, but Byfield had a breakout year in 2023-24, showing promise with his 6'5" frame, speed, and offensive talent. Byfield scored 20 goals and 55 points in 80 games, while Beniers had 15 goals and 37 points in 77 games. Over their careers, Beniers has 42 goals and 103 points in 167 games, compared to Byfield's 28 goals and 88 points in 179 games.

The Kraken, led by GM Ron Francis, have options for Beniers' contract: follow Byfield's route, sign a bridge deal keeping him as an RFA, or secure a long-term extension. With over $7M in cap space, the Kraken are well-positioned to facilitate any of these options.