After weeks of speculation about where undrafted college center Ben Meyers was going to go, the answer has finally arrived. It was thought that the Minnesota native, who played his college hockey career for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, was going to stay put and sign with his home state team, the Minnesota Wild. But Meyers had second thoughts as today he signed with the Colorado Avalanche for a two-year contract that runs through the 2022-2023 season, which most likely means Meyers will make his debut over these last nine games burning his first year.
Meyers Ready to Finish Out the Season In Colorado
Leading up to the signing, two teams thought to be the frontrunners in the Ben Meyers sweepstakes, the Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings, seemed to have it narrowed down to the two of them, with the Philadelphia Flyers lurking in the background as the third team. Meyers ultimately chose to sign with the potential back-to-back President Trophy-winning Avalanche. He will slot into the bottom six forward group for the remainder of the regular season before hanging up the skates as he won’t be eligible for this year’s playoff run.
Meyers Shines in Junior Season
Meyers, who is 23-years-old and just completed his junior year at the University of Minnesota, was a standout during his college career and is the team captain this season; he looks to translate his talent to the NHL level. During his junior year, Meyers recorded 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points across 34 games which led all Golden Gophers in points and goals while both were career marks. Meyers showed off his clutch gene this season as he also led the team in game-winning goals with five and overtime goals with two.
Meyers Takes Home the Hardware
For his efforts this season, Meyers brought home some hardware as he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, was named to the Big Ten First All-Star team, and was an NCAA West Second-Team All American selection. On top of all that, Meyers was one of three hat trick finalists for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey.
