In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Pacific Northwest, NHL insider Nick Kypreos has dropped a massive bombshell regarding the Seattle Kraken and their approach to the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline. According to Kypreos’ latest trade bait board on Sportsnet, Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers is officially a name to watch.
For fans accustomed to viewing Beniers as the cornerstone of the franchise, this comes as a jarring reality check. Beniers, the second-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, was drafted to be the face of the organization for a decade. However, with the Kraken desperate for a “much-needed scoring upgrade,” no roster player—not even their top center—appears to be safe from GM Jason Botterill’s evaluation.
While Beniers is currently tied for the team lead in scoring with 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists) in 54 games, the organization is reportedly looking for a franchise-altering return. The mere suggestion that Beniers is available changes the entire complexion of the trade deadline for Seattle. This isn’t just about moving pieces; it’s about a potential philosophy shift in how the Kraken build their contender.
Analyzing the Cost: What is Beniers’ Value?
To be clear, Kypreos notes that while trade conversations might initially focus on Shane Wright, the talks could pivot to Beniers if the return involves elite-level production that Seattle currently lacks. Beniers is a solid first-line center, but critics argue his offensive ceiling hasn’t fully surfaced in the way many expected from a number two overall pick.
At 23 years old, Beniers plays a responsible 200-foot game, but in the modern NHL, teams pay a premium for dynamic, game-breaking offense. If Seattle moves him, it won’t be a “dump.” It would be a blockbuster. A rival team would need to pay for his upside—the potential that he hasn’t yet consistently tapped into.
The inclusion of Beniers on the trade board suggests that management is willing to be bold. It signals that they might not be convinced this current core, as constructed, has the firepower to make a deep Stanley Cup run. However, moving a young, cost-controlled center is risky. If Beniers explodes offensively in another market, it could haunt the Kraken for years. Conversely, if they flip him for an established superstar who scores 40+ goals immediately, the gamble pays off.
My Take: Is Beniers Actually Moving?
While Nick Kypreos placing Matty Beniers on the trade board generates headlines, I believe a move is unlikely before the deadline unless the return is astronomical. Beniers is a 23-year-old center on a 56-point pace; you don’t trade that asset unless you are getting a guaranteed superstar in return. I view this as GM Jason Botterill doing his due diligence—letting teams know that if they want Beniers, the price is a franchise-altering blockbuster. Expect Beniers to stay put for now, but if his offensive production doesn’t jump by the offseason, these rumors will only get louder at the Draft.
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