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Reunited in Seattle: Samoskevich and Beniers Bring Michigan Chemistry to the Kraken
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- Reunited in Seattle: Samoskevich and Beniers Bring Michigan Chemistry to the Kraken
(© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Seattle may be new to Mackie Samoskevich , but there is one familiar face in the locker room: Matty Beniers . The two former college teammates played together in the 2021-22 season with the Michigan Wolverines.
They will now reunite in Seattle, playing alongside one another once again.
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Kraken general manager Jason Botterill shared the importance of Samoskevich already knowing someone on the roster.
"I just think it's easy from a familiarity standpoint coming to a new organization," Botterill said to NHL.com. "It just makes the transition all that much easier. I know Matty speaks very highly of Mackie, his style of play, and the person he is, too."
Both Beniers and Samoskevich praised each other on and off the ice.
"He's got an elite shot," Beniers told NHL.com after the trade. "Really good stick handling skills. He's definitely got some skill, so that will be a lot of fun to add to our squad with that really quick (shot) release."
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"He's a funny guy – a goofy guy," Beniers said. "He keeps it light always. Nothing's ever too serious. Those are fun guys to be around, especially in a long season."
Beniers has been with the Kraken since their inception. He was the first-ever NHL Draft pick of the expansion team in 2021.
The second pick in the draft had spent two seasons prior at the University of Michigan.
In five seasons, Beniers has appeared in 331 games, tallying 82 goals and 114 assists.
Samoskevich, on the other hand, was selected 24th in the 2021 NHL Draft. In three seasons, he has appeared in 156 games, tallying 27 goals and 36 assists.
After a career-high 32 points last season, he was traded to Seattle on June 21.
Now, the two will reunite in Seattle and play together once again.
