Matty Beniers has established himself as the foundational pillar of the Seattle Kraken since being selected as the franchise's first-ever draft pick in 2021. As a versatile, two-way center, his statistical contributions extend beyond simple goal scoring, encompassing defensive reliability and high-level playmaking. This comprehensive review analyzes his latest stats, career trajectory, and his impact on the Kraken's long-term strategy.

Quick Summary of Matty Beniers Stats

For those looking for a rapid breakdown of his career totals and most recent campaign, here is the statistical snapshot of the Seattle Kraken’s star center as of the end of the 2025-26 season:

  • Total NHL Games Played: 331
  • Total Career Points: 196
  • Career Goals: 82
  • Career Assists: 114
  • 2025-26 Season Points: 50 (20 Goals, 30 Assists)
  • Draft Position: 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 1st Round, 2nd Overall

Detailed Breakdown of the 2025-26 Regular Season

The 2025-26 season represented a significant milestone for Beniers. It was a year characterized by durability and consistency, as he appeared in all 82 regular-season games. While his offensive production remained steady, his evolution into a more complete center was evident in his underlying metrics and ice time management.

Scoring and Offensive Contribution

In 82 games during the 2025-26 season, Beniers recorded 20 goals and 30 assists for a total of 50 points. This production reinforces his status as a reliable top-six forward. His shooting percentage remained competitive, and he showed an increased willingness to challenge defenders in the high-danger areas of the ice.

  • Goals: 20
  • Assists: 30
  • Points: 50
  • Shots on Goal: 149
  • Shooting Percentage: Approximately 13.4%

Deployment and Discipline

Beniers averaged 19:17 of ice time per game (TOI), a clear indication of the coaching staff's trust in his ability to handle heavy workloads against opponent top lines. Perhaps most impressive is his continued discipline; despite playing high-intensity minutes, he only recorded 23 penalty minutes (PIM) throughout the entire season.

  • Average TOI: 19:17
  • Penalty Minutes (PIM): 23
  • Plus/Minus: -8

While the -8 rating suggests challenges in even-strength goal differentials, it is important to contextualize this within the team's overall defensive performance and the difficulty of his defensive assignments.

Historical Career Trajectory and Milestones

To understand the value of Beniers' current stats, one must look at the progression of his career since entering the league as a highly-touted prospect from the University of Michigan.

The Debut (2021-22 Season)

Beniers joined the Kraken late in their inaugural season after concluding his collegiate career. In just 10 games, he teased his potential by putting up 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists). This small sample size was enough to convince the league that he was NHL-ready.

The Calder Memorial Trophy Campaign (2022-23)

His first full season in the NHL remains his most decorated. Beniers led all NHL rookies in scoring with 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 80 games. This performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. He was instrumental in leading the Kraken to their first-ever playoff appearance and a historic first-round upset of the defending champion Colorado Avalanche.

The Sophomore Adjustments (2023-24 and 2024-25)

The subsequent two seasons saw Beniers facing the "sophomore slump" and the intensified scrutiny of opposing defensive pairings.

  • 2023-24: He recorded 37 points in 77 games. While his raw numbers dipped, his defensive metrics began to sharpen.
  • 2024-25: He bounced back with 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) in a full 82-game schedule. During this season, he was also named an alternate captain, reflecting his leadership within the locker room.

Advanced Metrics and Playing Style Analysis

Matty Beniers is often described by scouts and analysts as a "hockey IQ" player. His value isn't solely captured by goals and assists; it is found in the "sneaky good" plays that maintain possession and disrupt opponent transitions.

Faceoff Evolution

One of the most critical areas for a young center is the faceoff circle. Beniers has shown a steady upward trend in this department. Starting with a win percentage in the low 40s during his rookie year, he has worked his way up toward the 50% mark. In the 2025-26 season, his efficiency on the power play and in the defensive zone during critical moments showed marked improvement.

Defensive Reliability and Puck Recovery

Beniers excels at loose puck recoveries. Data indicates that he is among the team leaders in winning contested pucks along the boards. Defensively, he uses his reach and positioning to block passing lanes. During the last few seasons, he has consistently averaged over 3.0 blocked passes per 20 minutes of play, a high mark for a forward.

His ability to transition from a defensive recovery to an offensive breakout is a hallmark of his game. He frequently records a high rate of "possession-driving plays," meaning he is the primary player responsible for moving the puck from the defensive zone into the offensive third.

Contract and Long-Term Value

In August 2024, the Seattle Kraken made a major statement by signing Beniers to a seven-year, $50 million contract extension. The deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $7.14 million, reflects the team's belief that Beniers is their long-term number-one center.

From a statistical ROI (Return on Investment) perspective, the Kraken are betting on Beniers maintaining a 50-60 point floor while providing elite defensive value. As the salary cap continues to rise, this contract is projected to become a significant value play for the franchise, especially if Beniers hits another offensive gear in his mid-20s.

Comparison with 2021 Draft Peers

When looking at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft class, Beniers remains near the top in terms of total production and impact. Along with Wyatt Johnston of the Dallas Stars, Beniers was one of the first in his class to surpass the 100-point milestone. His career trajectory closely mirrors that of other elite two-way centers who prioritize reliable play over flashy individual stats.

Summary of Professional Career Statistics

The following table summarizes the regular-season performance of Matty Beniers over his first five seasons in the NHL:

Season Team GP G A PTS +/- PIM TOI
2021-22 SEA 10 3 6 9 -1 0 17:06
2022-23 SEA 80 24 33 57 +14 2 17:06
2023-24 SEA 77 15 22 37 -11 20 17:58
2024-25 SEA 82 20 23 43 0 14 18:41
2025-26 SEA 82 20 30 50 -8 23 19:17
Totals SEA 331 82 114 196 -6 59 18:12

Conclusion

Matty Beniers continues to be the engine of the Seattle Kraken. While his 50-point output in the 2025-26 season might not lead the league in scoring, his 82-game durability, low penalty count, and high ice time demonstrate his indispensable role. He remains a premier example of the modern NHL center: smart, disciplined, and effective at both ends of the rink. As he enters the prime of his career under a long-term contract, his statistical contributions are expected to remain a cornerstone of Seattle's identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many points does Matty Beniers have in his career?

As of the end of the 2025-26 NHL season, Matty Beniers has recorded a total of 196 points, consisting of 82 goals and 114 assists in 331 regular-season games.

What is Matty Beniers' current contract?

Beniers is currently under a seven-year, $50 million contract extension with the Seattle Kraken, which he signed in August 2024. The contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $7.14 million.

Has Matty Beniers won any NHL awards?

Yes, Matty Beniers won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year following the 2022-23 season. He was the first player in Seattle Kraken history to win a major NHL individual award.

What is Matty Beniers' height and weight?

Matty Beniers is listed at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 181 lbs.

Where is Matty Beniers from?

He was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, and played collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan before being drafted second overall in 2021.