Ben Meyers, a versatile left winger/center, has joined the Seattle Kraken on a one-year, one-way deal at league minimum, the team confirmed last night. The 25-year-old, known for his defensive prowess, gained unrestricted free agency early due to his Group VI status, marking his transition to a third NHL team in recent months.
Minnesota natives and avid national team followers will recognize Meyers, a former standout at the University of Minnesota and a participant in the 2022 Olympics for Team USA, where he tallied four points in four games. Despite his collegiate success, Meyers faced challenges in making a consistent impact in the NHL after signing with the Colorado Avalanche as an undrafted free agent two years ago.
During his tenure with the Avalanche, Meyers split his time between the NHL and the minors, primarily playing fourth-line minutes and scoring six goals across 53 games over parts of three seasons. A trade to the Anaheim Ducks earlier this year did little to alter his trajectory, as he managed two assists in 14 games.
However, Meyers demonstrated strong performances with the AHL's Colorado Eagles over the past two seasons, setting the stage for a potential NHL roster spot with the Kraken. His one-way contract provides a favorable position for Meyers in Seattle's lineup competition this fall, as he vies to fill roles left vacant by departing forwards like Pierre-Édouard Bellemare and Kailer Yamamoto, who have reached unrestricted free agency.
If Meyers plays at least 13 games with the Kraken next season, Seattle will retain his rights as a restricted free agent with arbitration eligibility. Otherwise, he will revert to unrestricted free agent status under Group VI criteria at the end of his contract.
