Matty Beniers Assumed Expanded Leadership Role
The 23-year-old alternate captain will help lead the Seattle Kraken into the 2026-2027 NHL season.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Hockey
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Matty Beniers has stepped into an expanded leadership role for the Seattle Kraken, joining a veteran group following three consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance. The forward has been tapped to help guide the roster as the team prepares for its season opener.
Why it matters
The team faces significant pressure to reverse its recent trend of failing to reach the postseason. Leadership stability is seen as a necessary step for a group that has struggled to find consistency in recent campaigns.
Matty Beniers has recorded at least 20 goals in three separate seasons and 30 assists in two separate campaigns over his 331-game career. He currently holds 59 career penalty minutes.
The players
Matty Beniers
He is a 23-year-old forward and alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken.
Jordan Eberle
He is the 36-year-old team captain of the Seattle Kraken.
Adam Larsson
He is a 33-year-old alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken.
Brandon Montour
He is a 32-year-old alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken.
Vince Dunn
He is a key member of the Seattle Kraken leadership group.
The details
Beniers, who serves as an alternate captain, solidified his leadership standing by defending the organization during a failed trade deal for Jason Robertson. His commitment to the team was further demonstrated on March 10, 2026, when he engaged in a physical confrontation with Justin Barron during a 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators.
Timeline
March 10, 2026: Beniers fought Justin Barron during a game against Nashville.
September 24, 2026: Beniers played in a preseason game against Calgary.
Thursday, October 1, 2026: The Seattle Kraken open the season in Calgary.
The Big Picture
The promotion of a young captain follows the Seattle Kraken's three-season playoff drought, which serves as the primary catalyst for roster and leadership restructuring. This shift marks a strategic pivot toward youth leadership to combat the trend of failing to qualify for the postseason.
The emergence of Beniers as a vocal leader provides stability for fantasy rosters and indicates he will likely receive increased ice time this season. Fans can look for his continued presence in the team's top-six rotation as the Kraken attempt to bounce back from last season's 7-17-2 record following the Olympics.
The takeaway
Beniers has proven he is willing to contribute physically and vocally to protect the team's interests. This dual commitment to production and team culture is essential for the Kraken as they attempt to break their multi-year playoff absence.
What happens next
The Seattle Kraken will officially begin their 2026-2027 season on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with a road game against the Calgary Flames.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Seattle Hockey section.
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