Fantasy Hockey X Gamers: Matty Beniers' dull start but bright future
Matty Beniers has already established himself as a competent NHLer. As a high-pedigree guy, fantasy managers were hoping for a little bit more than his current 40-ish point pace. Is there hope for more upside? Is this the type of production we should come to expect? We will dig into these questions and more in this edition of X gamers.
The quintessential Matty Beniers shift. Steals the puck and turns offense to defense. Passes to teammate and then drives the net. No goal so backchecks hard to break up a scoring chance the other way, immediately goes up the ice again. This time, goal. 11-28-23#SeaKraken📷 pic.twitter.com/91GyN1LGUD
— Fantasy Hockey Doctor - Victor Nuño (@VictorNuno12) December 7, 2023
Beniers has been an exceptional player since prep school in Massachusetts. He put up nearly a point-per-game in the USHL through the USNTDP as a 16-year-old, which was his draft-minus two season. In his draft-minus one season, he nearly scored a point per game as a 17-year-old against the college teams while at the USNTDP. The high-end talent has always been there.
This Kraken power play is dead until Matty Beniers picks the defender's pocket. Ends up with the puck skating downhill at the net and rips it past Varlamov. 2023-11-16#SeaKraken📷 pic.twitter.com/wNltB7EmfB
— Fantasy Hockey Doctor - Victor Nuño (@VictorNuno12) December 7, 2023
Beniers finished his USNTDP career tied for 24th all-time in points per game (0.95). Nearly ever