Matty Beniers' Future in Seattle? Trade Rumors Swirl as Kraken Weigh Options
Matty Beniers burst onto the NHL scene with the kind of rookie season that turns heads and raises expectations. The 2021 second overall pick looked every bit like the franchise cornerstone the Seattle Kraken hoped he’d be, capping off his debut campaign with the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. But fast forward to today, and the conversation around Beniers has shifted-from breakout star to potential trade chip.
Let’s be clear: Beniers hasn’t fallen off a cliff. He’s still producing, sitting second on the Kraken in points with 37 through 56 games.
But he hasn’t quite matched the 57-point form he showed in his rookie year. The consistency and impact that defined his first season have been harder to come by this time around.
Now, for the first time, Beniers is showing up on trade boards. That’s not nothing.
It doesn’t mean a deal is imminent-but it does signal that Seattle might be open to a blockbuster if the right offer comes along. According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, Beniers isn’t the most likely Kraken player to be moved, but he’s on the radar because, in Kypreos’ words, “if the return is a franchise-changing blockbuster for the Kraken, they'll consider it.”
Seattle’s front office has already shown it’s not afraid to shake things up. Earlier this season, there were rumblings that center Shane Wright-another high-profile draft pick-could be available. Wright’s time with the Kraken has been stop-and-start, and both sides might benefit from a clean slate if a suitable deal is out there.
The Kraken also reportedly took a big swing at veteran winger Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break, trying to bring the star to Seattle. That move didn’t pan out-Panarin ended up with the Kings-but it’s another sign that Seattle is actively looking to reshape its roster, even if it means parting with young talent.
So, if Beniers is in play, who might come calling?
1. Philadelphia Flyers: A Team in Transition
One possible landing spot is Philadelphia. The Flyers are currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and face an uphill climb to get back into the playoff picture. When the league resumes play later this month, they’ll be eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the final Wild Card spot-with only five games before the trade deadline to make up ground.
It’s not impossible, but it’s a tough ask. That’s what makes them an intriguing trade partner: they’re in a position where it might make more sense to retool than to chase a playoff spot that may not be there.
The Flyers have some pieces that could interest Seattle. Travis Konecny is having a strong season, but at 28 years old, he may not align with Philadelphia’s long-term vision. Owen Tippett, meanwhile, is a younger option who’s already netted 19 goals this season and could be a better fit for Seattle’s timeline.
From Philly’s perspective, adding Beniers gives them a potential long-term solution down the middle. Pairing him with Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates could give the Flyers a young, dynamic center group to build around. And for Beniers, a new environment might be just what he needs to rediscover the form that made him such a force in his rookie year.
2. Winnipeg Jets: A Potential Change of Scenery
Then there’s Winnipeg. The Jets are coming off a season where they won the President’s Trophy and came within two games of the Western Conference Final.
But this year? It’s been a different story.
They’re currently one of the bottom teams in the West and among just six teams in the league with fewer than 55 points.
That puts Winnipeg in a tough spot heading into the trade deadline. Do they double down and try to salvage the season, or do they start thinking about the future?
A full teardown seems unlikely. Kyle Connor just signed a new deal before the season.
Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck are locked in as well. But that doesn’t mean the Jets won’t look to tweak the roster.
A swap involving Beniers and Cole Perfetti could be an interesting framework. Both are young forwards with high ceilings who might benefit from a change of scenery. Of course, a deal like that would likely require additional pieces on both sides, but the foundation is there.
For Beniers, Winnipeg could offer a fresh start and a chance to grow alongside some established veterans. The Jets have a passionate fanbase and a history of developing talent. If Beniers can find his rhythm there, he might just become the centerpiece of Winnipeg’s next great run.
What’s Next for Seattle?
The Kraken are in a fascinating position. They’ve got young talent, a desire to compete, and a front office willing to make bold moves. Whether or not Beniers is ultimately dealt, the fact that his name is even in the conversation tells us something: Seattle is not standing still.
They’re looking to build something sustainable-and if that means making a tough call on a player like Beniers, they’ll explore it. The next few weeks leading up to the trade deadline will be telling. And whether he stays or goes, Beniers' next chapter could be one of the more compelling storylines in the NHL.