Ben Gleason Bio
Benjamin Gleason is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL), while under contract to the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 25, 1998, in Ortonville, Michigan, Gleason has built his career as a mobile, offense-minded blueliner since turning professional in 2018. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 190 pounds, he shoots left and has developed into a reliable depth defenseman at both the AHL and NHL levels.
Although he was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft, Gleason has steadily progressed through professional hockey, playing within the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and Philadelphia Flyers organizations before joining the Wild. He is recognized for his skating, puck-moving ability, and poise in transition.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Gleason was born on March 25, 1998, in Ortonville, Michigan, a small community in the Upper Midwest where ice hockey is a central part of local sporting culture. Growing up in this environment gave him early and consistent access to the game, shaping his development from a young age. He hails from a family with deep roots in the sport, which further influenced his decision to pursue hockey as a career.
Gleason’s path through the sport began in youth hockey before he attracted the attention of major junior scouts. In 2014, his play in Michigan earned him a selection in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection, signaling his arrival as a promising prospect. His early years in the United States development system laid the groundwork for his transition to the major junior ranks.
Path to Hockey
Gleason was drafted in the second round, 36th overall, by the London Knights in the 2014 Ontario Hockey League draft. After one season in London, he was traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs on October 7, 2015, in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2017 OHL Selection and a conditional 15th-round pick in 2019. In August 2015, he was one of 11 OHL players selected for the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, an event that showcases the top American NHL draft-eligible players.
Following his trade to Hamilton, Gleason posted 33 points in 66 games during the 2016–17 season, demonstrating offensive skill and steady two-way play. Despite his success at the junior level, he was passed over in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Returning to the Bulldogs as an overage player for the 2017–18 campaign, Gleason helped lead Hamilton to its first Leyden Trophy as the regular season champion of the East Division in the OHL.
Ben Gleason Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Undrafted in the NHL Entry Draft, Benjamin Gleason signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on September 13, 2018. After attending Dallas’s training camp, he was assigned to the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League to begin his professional career. The transition from major junior to professional hockey required an adjustment, and his time in the AHL allowed him to refine his defensive game and adjust to the pace of the professional level.
On November 10, 2018, Gleason received his first NHL recall from the Stars. That same night, he recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a goal by Denis Gurianov during a game against the Nashville Predators, a moment that marked his arrival at the top level. He was reassigned to the Texas Stars on November 22, where he continued to develop his overall game over the following seasons.
Dallas Stars and Texas Stars Development (2020–2023)
Across five seasons within the Dallas Stars organization, Gleason split time between the NHL roster and the Texas Stars in the AHL. As a depth defenseman, he provided steady play in his own zone and showed flashes of offensive ability when given opportunity. He became a trusted call-up option, often rejoining the big club when injuries required reinforcements on the blue line.
After completing his contract with Dallas, Gleason became a free agent in the summer of 2023. His tenure in the organization helped him establish himself as a reliable professional defenseman ready for a fresh opportunity elsewhere in the league.
Edmonton Oilers and Bakersfield Condors Era (2023–2024)
On July 2, 2023, Gleason signed a two-year contract worth $1.55 million with the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent. He impressed the Oilers’ staff during the 2023–24 preseason and was considered a dark horse to make the final NHL roster. Ultimately, he was a late cut and was reassigned to Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, prior to the start of the regular season.
With the Condors, Gleason produced offensively, recording two goals and seven assists for nine points through 14 games. His strong play earned him a recall to the NHL on December 7, 2023, rewarding his consistency at the AHL level with another opportunity at the top flight.
Philadelphia Flyers Trade (2024–2025)
During the 2024–25 season, on November 4, 2024, Gleason was traded by the Edmonton Oilers to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Ronnie Attard. The move gave him a fresh start within a new organization and an opportunity to compete for NHL playing time. His brief tenure with the Flyers added another chapter to his professional journey.
Minnesota Wild Era (2025–Present)
On July 2, 2025, Gleason signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild for the 2025–26 season. As part of the agreement, he was assigned to the Iowa Wild, Minnesota’s AHL affiliate, where he continues to anchor the blue line. The signing reflects the organization’s confidence in his ability to contribute at both levels of the professional pipeline.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gleason is recognized as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who thrives in transition. His skating allows him to escape pressure and join the rush, while his offensive instincts make him effective on the power play. He combines these offensive tools with a growing comfort level in his own zone, giving him a well-rounded profile suited to modern hockey systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining early moments of Gleason’s career came on November 10, 2018, when he recorded his first NHL point, an assist on Denis Gurianov’s first NHL goal, in a game against the Nashville Predators. His selection to the 2015 USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game and his role in Hamilton’s Leyden Trophy-winning season in 2017–18 stand as additional milestones in his development as a professional.
Ben Gleason Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Gleason comes from an ice hockey-playing family with multiple relatives having pursued the sport competitively. He is the cousin of former NHL defenseman Tim Gleason, who played more than 700 NHL games across multiple organizations. Another cousin, James Gleason, played at Central Michigan University, while a third cousin, Jacob, played with the Metro Jets in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL).
Personal Life
Born and raised in Ortonville, Michigan, Gleason continues to be identified with his Midwestern roots. His family’s deep involvement in ice hockey has been a consistent influence throughout his career, providing both inspiration and perspective as he has navigated the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025–26 campaign, Benjamin Gleason is skating for the Iowa Wild in the AHL as part of his one-year, two-way agreement with the Minnesota Wild. His role with Iowa centers on providing experienced leadership on the back end while remaining a ready option for promotion to the NHL roster when needed. The Wild organization views him as a dependable depth defenseman capable of contributing at either level.
Gleason’s path through the season has continued a familiar pattern of steady professional play. Whether logging heavy minutes in the AHL or stepping in at the NHL level, he brings the same mobile, puck-moving approach that has defined his career. His experience in three NHL organizations also gives him a unique perspective as a reliable presence in the locker room.
Looking ahead, Gleason’s performance with the Iowa Wild will likely determine his next professional opportunity. With his contract expiring after this season, a strong campaign could open doors to a longer-term NHL deal. For now, he remains focused on contributing to Iowa’s success and being prepared whenever Minnesota calls upon him.
