While Matty Beniers' sophomore season with the Seattle Kraken may have fallen short of expectations, with the young forward notching only 14 goals after a stellar 24-goal rookie campaign that earned him the Calder Trophy, general manager Ron Francis remains unfazed by the apparent slump.
In a recent interview, Francis dismissed any concerns about Beniers' long-term development, stating, "I have no concerns about Matty's game long term."
Beniers' dip in production has been attributed to increased ice time against tougher matchups, a common challenge for young players as they transition from their rookie seasons.The "sophomore slump" is a well-documented phenomenon in the NHL, where players often struggle to replicate their initial success as opponents adjust to their playing styles.
However, Francis' confidence in Beniers stems from the 21-year-old's overall game and the understanding that offensive production is not the sole measure of a player's impact.
"Matty's defensive game has continued to evolve, and he's taking on more responsibilities against top lines," Francis explained. "While the goals may not be there this season, his two-way play and work ethic have been outstanding."
With Francis at the helm, the Kraken organization appears committed to nurturing Beniers' development, allowing him to grow and overcome the challenges that come with increased responsibilities and heightened expectations in the NHL.
