When the Kraken's 2021 2nd-overall NHL Draft pick Matty Beniers signed a contract in the spring of 2022 after finishing his final season at the University of Michigan, he burned the first year of his three-year, entry-level deal. By playing ten games that spring, he moved closer to waiver eligibility and arbitration rights.
If Beniers hadn't signed early, the upcoming season would have been the third year of his contract, allowing the Kraken another full campaign to assess his value. Instead, Seattle needs to sign the restricted free agent (RFA) before the next season. Beniers, a 21-year-old with no arbitration rights, has little negotiating leverage except for holding out, which his agent Pat Brisson has done before, like with Hughes in 2021.
So what does Beniers deserve, and what will he get? After winning the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year, he experienced a "sophomore slump," dropping from 57 points to 37, complicating the assessment.
Given the situation, expect a similar term for Beniers. Despite the team's need for centers, there's no reason to over-commit financially. A deal in the mid to high $5 million range seems appropriate. Kraken GM Ron Francis might want to save some of the $6.3 million in cap space for additional depth along the blueline or elsewhere.
Tick tock goes the clock. Brisson, a no-nonsense negotiator with over $1 billion in contracts, will soon be knocking on the door.
