When the Seattle Kraken acquired Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers earlier this season, the move was met with cautious optimism. Kakko, a former second-overall pick, had shown flashes of brilliance but had yet to fully realize his potential in New York. For the Kraken, the trade wasn’t just about adding talent—it was about finding the right pieces to unlock the potential of their young core, particularly Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers.
Fast forward 22 games, and the impact of Kakko’s arrival on Beniers’ offensive game has been nothing short of transformative. Since joining the Kraken, Kakko has not only solidified his role on the top line but has also reignited Beniers’ scoring touch, helping the young center rediscover the form that made him one of the NHL’s most exciting rookies just a season ago.
The numbers don’t lie
The statistics tell a compelling story. In the 22 games since Kakko joined the Kraken, Beniers has tallied 8 goals and 5 assists, a significant uptick from his production in the 33 games prior to the trade, where he managed just 4 goals and 13 assists. This resurgence is particularly noteworthy given the context of Beniers’ struggles earlier in the season.
After a stellar rookie campaign in which he posted 24 goals and 33 assists (57 points) en route to winning the Calder Trophy, Beniers experienced the dreaded sophomore slump last season, finishing with just 15 goals and 22 assists. The dip in production raised concerns among Kraken fans, especially after the team signed Beniers to a seven-year, $50 million extension. Was he truly the franchise cornerstone they believed him to be, or was his rookie season a flash in the pan?
Those concerns only grew louder in the first 33 games of this season. Beniers scored just 4 goals, all of which came in a 10-game span, and endured a brutal 19-game goal drought. For a player expected to be a cornerstone of the Kraken’s offense, the lack of production was alarming.
Kakko’s arrival: A spark for Beniers
Everything changed when Kakko arrived. Slotted onto the top line alongside Beniers and veteran winger Jaden Schwartz, Kakko brought a new dynamic to the Kraken’s offense. While it took a few games for the chemistry to develop, the connection between Kakko and Beniers quickly became evident.
Their first goal together was a turning point. Since that moment, Beniers has scored 7 goals, with Kakko assisting on 5 of them. Notably, the two goals Kakko didn’t assist on came on the power play, meaning that at even strength, Kakko has been instrumental in creating opportunities for Beniers to find the back of the net. Kakko’s ability to read the ice, find open lanes, and deliver crisp passes has perfectly complemented Beniers’ skill set, allowing the young center to thrive in high-pressure situations.
A top line on the rise
The impact of Kakko’s arrival extends beyond just Beniers. The top line of Kakko, Beniers, and Schwartz has emerged as one of the most productive even-strength units in the NHL over the past month. With 12 goals in that span, they trail only the Detroit Red Wings’ top line in terms of production. This trio’s success is a testament to the importance of finding the right linemates to maximize a player’s potential.
For Beniers, playing alongside Kakko has not only boosted his confidence but also allowed him to tap into the offensive tools that complement his already strong defensive game. Beniers has established himself as one of the NHL’s better young two-way centers, and Kakko’s playmaking has helped him add a new layer to his game. Meanwhile, Jaden Schwartz’s veteran leadership has been invaluable, providing the line with the poise and experience needed to thrive in high-pressure situations. If Beniers can continue to pair his defensive reliability with consistent offensive production, the Kraken will have a true two-way force to build around.
A blueprint for the future
The Kakko-Beniers connection is a reminder of how crucial it is for teams to surround their core players with complementary talent. For the Kraken, this means continuing to build around young stars like Beniers and Shane Wright by finding linemates who can elevate their game. Kakko’s ability to mesh seamlessly with Beniers is a prime example of how the right fit can unlock a player’s full potential.
As the Kraken look to solidify their place as contenders in the NHL, the resurgence of Matty Beniers is a promising sign. With Kaapo Kakko by his side, Beniers is once again showcasing the offensive prowess that made him a Calder Trophy winner. For Kraken fans, the future looks bright—and the Kakko-Beniers duo is at the heart of it.
In the end, the trade for Kakko wasn’t just about adding a talented player; it was about finding the missing piece to help Matty Beniers shine. So far, it’s working better than anyone could have imagined.