The Seattle Kraken have locked in forward Ben Meyers with a two-year extension, valued at $1 million per season. Meyers, who was on a $775,000 deal set to expire this summer, was facing unrestricted free agency. Now, the Kraken have secured a player whose journey to the NHL is as compelling as his on-ice potential.
At 27, Meyers' path to the NHL wasn't the typical draft-day fairy tale. Instead, he carved out his reputation with the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2019 to 2022, eventually becoming team captain and a Hobey Baker Award finalist. His talent shone on the international stage as well, representing Team USA at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he made a notable impact with four points in four games.
After college, Meyers caught the eye of the Colorado Avalanche, who signed him to a two-year contract. He made an immediate splash by scoring in his NHL debut.
However, like many young players, he faced challenges, tallying just four goals in 39 games during the 2022-23 season. This led to time split between the NHL and the AHL.
With the Colorado Eagles, Meyers was productive, amassing 49 points in 62 games over two seasons. But the stacked Avalanche roster limited his NHL opportunities.
In March 2024, a trade to the Anaheim Ducks for a fifth-round pick gave him a fresh chance. Despite his efforts, including two assists in 14 games, the Ducks opted not to extend his stay.
Undeterred, Meyers signed a one-year contract with the Kraken for the 2024-25 season, spending time with their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. There, he thrived, leading the team with 51 points in 57 games. His performance earned him another shot at the NHL level.
This season, Meyers has become a vital depth player for the Kraken, contributing 11 points in 32 games-a significant improvement from his previous NHL stints. His discipline and effectiveness are evident, with only four penalty minutes and a career-best 53.4% face-off win rate, crucial for a fourth-line penalty killer.
With Meyers secured, Kraken GM Jason Botterill can focus on upcoming contract negotiations with key veterans like Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, and Eeli Tolvanen. As the Kraken prepare for their next matchup in Dallas, Meyers remains sidelined with a lower-body injury, but his future with the team looks promising.