According to Geoff Baker, the Seattle Times' Kraken beat reporter, there are ongoing talks regarding the contract length for Matty Beniers. The options being considered range from a shorter "bridge" deal spanning two to three years to a more extended agreement. GM Ron Francis, however, appears to favor a longer-term commitment, ideally lasting at least five years or more. This approach is seen as necessary to secure a player of Beniers' caliber at a reasonable cost.
While I don't have access to the specific discussions between Beniers and the Kraken, it's likely they've discussed their respective preferences in broad terms. A "bridge" deal for Beniers typically covers his first two or three RFA (Restricted Free Agent) seasons, allowing him to seek a substantial raise in Year 4 before potentially hitting the open market. This would give Beniers more leverage than he currently holds. However, it might be more advantageous for the team to secure a longer-term deal, potentially locking in a more favorable contract for his UFA (Unrestricted Free Agent) seasons, especially if they believe he'll develop into a star player.
At the same time, Francis faces the challenge of re-signing Jordan Eberle, who is entering the final season of his initial five-year contract with the Kraken. Eberle has proven to be an excellent fit both on and off the ice, making it likely that negotiations will result in a positive outcome for the Kraken. Striking the right balance between short-term flexibility and long-term stability is a crucial consideration as Seattle navigates these contract discussions.
