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Player Profile – November 5, 2002 Nationality – United States Draft Eligibility – 2021 Height –6’1 Weight –174 lbs Position – Center Handedness – Left Beniers played for Milton Academy and the Cape Cod Whalers before joining the USNTDP. His brother, Bobby Beniers most recently played division three hockey at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Fantasy Summary An instinctual producer who thrives as a two-way threat. A powerful stride drives his overall game. Observations February 2021 – It could be argued that no prospect has increased their stock in this unusual season more than Matthew Beniers. He has excelled as a two-way threat for the University of Michigan in the NCAA as a first-year draft eligible, racking up 13 points through his first 14 games as a freshman while consistently driving play for his line. When team USA was forced to adjust their plans for the World Juniors due to certain players being unavailable, it was Beniers that was thrusted into a larger role and he did not disappoint. He brought energy, creativity, and attention to detail all over the ice while playing big minutes for the gold medal winning American squad and finished the tournament with one goal and two assists in seven games. Beniers is a coach’s dream who already plays a very mature, responsible game – and not just for his age. He is an outstanding skater with a powerful stride and quick shift ability that allows him to dice through defensive coverages and transport pucks through the neutral zone. Working hard is a skill and Beniers is elite in that regard with a motor that is always running high. He takes intelligent routes in puck pursuit and has the tenacity to be disruptive on the forecheck while also understanding when to back off and take a more conservative approach. Beniers is a heads-up playmaker who is more likely to make the smartest play with the puck rather than the flashiest play, but he can make creative passes under pressure when needed. He may not have any singular overwhelming skill and perhaps lacks the elite offensive upside of some other top 2021 draft prospects, but he might also have the clearest NHL projection. His all-around skating ability as well as his advanced awareness and strong work ethic should help him become an effective two-way center at the NHL level relatively soon and there is still plenty of runway for his offensive game to blossom even further. Beniers should be one of the first names off the board when draft day rolls around and has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone for whichever team is fortunate enough to land him. Nick Richard November 2020 – The 18-year-old American has been on the radar for years. As a 16-year-old, he was skating alongside Jack Hughes and Oliver Wahlstrom on the U18 USNTDP’s top line. He was at the U18 World Championships that year as well. As a late-2002 born player, he’s been afforded the opportunity to play up a level on a consistent basis. That has maintained as he skates for the University of Michigan for his draft-eligible campaign. A responsible pivot who brings his fair share of play creation, he will be an ideal potential selection for many organizations. Amongst his NCAA cohort, he currently sits third for U19 skaters, and second for draft-eligibles with five points in six games. It’s a strong start for what should be a highly productive collegiate career. Expect him to play a strong depth role for the Americans at the upcoming World Junior Championships. Cam Robinson
