"Hell of a contract" "Another risk by Francis": NHL fans left divided as Matty Beniers signs $49.98M contract extension with Kraken

The Seattle Kraken and former number-two overall pick Matty Beniers have reached an agreement on a seven-year, $49.98 million contract extension, according to NHL.com. The deal, which was inked on Monday, ensures the Kraken will keep one of their top prospects for the foreseeable future.

Overall, the contract has been met with fan approval. Here’s a look at some choice comments showing support for the deal:

“That’s a hell of a contract,” one fan opined.

“Steal of a deal holy,” another fan weighed in.

“Matty B is a Kraken for Life!!!” another fan commented.

However, not all fans seemed convinced by Matty Beniers’ contract extension. Some expressed skepticism about the deal:

“Another risk by Francis. There was very little reason to go this long for this high of price,” this fan posted on X.

“Holy overpay,” another fan chimed in.

“A big risk; I’m curious if this contract along with Montour’s will age well,” another fan posted on social media.

Seattle is betting big on Matty Beniers becoming the team’s franchise leader.

Matty Beniers has been a core member of the Seattle Kraken

There was little doubt that the Kraken would do everything they could to lock up Beniers long-term. In that regard, Kraken GM Ron Francis said:

“Matty has been a core part of our team since making his NHL debut, not only on the ice, but in his commitment to our community and our fans.” [H/T NHL.com]

After winning the Calder Trophy in 2022-23, expectations have been high for Matty Beniers. While he showed a slight regression last season, with 37 points, the Kraken hope this is just a blip on the radar.

"Signing Matty to a new contract was a top priority for our offseason, and we are excited to have it done," Francis added. "We're looking forward to seeing Matty take the next steps as a player and watching him contribute to many more memorable moments for our franchise." [H/T NHL.com]

The Kraken to build upon the club’s past success. While last season was disappointing with the Kraken registering 81 points, the team is poised to turn things around and hopes to get back into the playoff picture in what looks to be a tough Pacific Division.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Garima