Jayson Megna Bio
Jayson Megna is an American professional ice hockey forward who serves as the captain of the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on February 1, 1990, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, where he first stepped onto the ice at the age of 7. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 195 pounds, Megna shoots right and plays the center position, having built a long professional career as an undrafted free agent.
Across more than a decade in professional hockey, Megna has represented seven different National Hockey League (NHL) organizations while remaining a steady AHL contributor. His journey from youth hockey in the Chicago area to leading an AHL franchise reflects a career defined by perseverance, versatility, and quiet leadership.
Early Life and Background
Jayson Megna was born on February 1, 1990, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, though he was raised in Northbrook, Illinois. Although Florida is not a traditional hockey hotbed, Megna’s family background gave him an early connection to athletics. His father, Jay Megna, played as a defensive back for the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints during the 1980s, embedding a competitive sporting culture within the household.
Megna began playing hockey at the age of 7 in Illinois, quickly developing his skills in the Chicago youth hockey scene. As a young player, he participated in the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Chicago Young Americans minor ice hockey team, an experience that exposed him to high-level competition at a formative age.
He attended Glenbrook North High School before finishing his high school career at Tabor Academy, graduating in 2009. His younger brother, Jaycob Megna, born December 10, 1992, would later follow him into professional hockey, eventually playing for the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL.
Path to Hockey
Following high school, Megna joined the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he spent two seasons developing with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders. The USHL is widely recognized as one of the top junior hockey leagues in the United States and serves as a primary pipeline to NCAA Division I hockey.
After his time in Cedar Rapids, Megna committed to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he played collegiate hockey on the same team as his brother Jaycob. During his freshman year, his performance was strong enough to earn him a place on the WCHA All-Rookie Team, signaling his potential as a future professional.
Following his freshman season, Megna attended the Pittsburgh Penguins development camp, a pivotal opportunity that opened the door to his professional career. On August 1, 2012, he signed a two-way contract with an annual value of $925,000, officially beginning his journey in professional hockey.
Jayson Megna Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
After signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization in 2012, Megna was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, where he continued his development. During the 2013–14 season, on October 24, 2013, he was recalled to the NHL, making his debut with the Penguins the following day against the New York Islanders.
Megna wasted little time making an impact at the top level. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, and scored his first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 28, 2013. These early contributions helped establish him as a reliable depth forward capable of stepping into the lineup when needed.
Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers Era (2013–2016)
Megna’s tenure with the Penguins gave him his first sustained look at NHL action, and his first career goal remains a memorable milestone. Although his time in Pittsburgh was relatively brief, it laid the foundation for his continued growth in the league.
On July 1, 2015, Megna departed the Penguins organization as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers. He began the 2015–16 season with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before being promoted to the NHL on November 30, 2015. After a brief return to the Wolf Pack in January 2016, he was recalled once more on April 20, 2016, finishing the season with the Rangers organization.
Vancouver Canucks Era (2016–2018)
Following the conclusion of his Rangers contract, Megna signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1, 2016. He was initially reassigned to the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, but was recalled to Vancouver on October 24, 2016.
On December 8, 2016, Megna scored two goals to help the Canucks defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 5–1, recording his first career multi-goal NHL game. On April 2, 2017, he signed a one-year extension with the Canucks for the 2017–18 season, continuing his role as a dependable forward within the organization.
Washington Capitals Era (2018–2019)
On July 1, 2018, Megna signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Washington Capitals as a free agent. He spent the majority of the season with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, where he was deployed in a top-six forward role.
During the regular season, Megna produced 20 goals and 43 points in 71 games with the Bears, then added 8 points in 9 postseason outings. His consistent two-way play in the AHL reinforced his value as a reliable depth presence.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2019–2022)
On July 1, 2019, Megna signed a one-year, two-way contract valued at $700,000 with the Colorado Avalanche, his fifth NHL club. After attending training camp, he was assigned to the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, to begin the 2019–20 season. After collecting 4 points in his first 8 games, he was recalled to the NHL and made his Avalanche debut on October 30, 2019, in a 4-3 overtime defeat against the Florida Panthers.
Megna appeared in 8 NHL games that season without recording a point, returning to the AHL where he tallied 18 goals and 34 points in 43 regular-season games before the season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 11, 2020, he re-signed with the Avalanche on a one-year, two-way extension, and on June 16, 2021, he agreed to a two-year, two-way contract extension. During the pandemic-delayed 2021–22 season, he recorded his first points with the Avalanche, notching two assists in consecutive games against the Los Angeles Kings on May 12 and 13, 2022.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2022–2023)
Reassigned to the AHL to captain the Eagles to open the 2022–23 season, Megna was recalled by the injury-depleted Avalanche after two games to assume fourth-line center duties. He went scoreless through 14 games before being placed on waivers and claimed by the Anaheim Ducks on December 6, 2022.
Megna remained with the Ducks for the rest of the season and made his most NHL appearances since 2017, finishing with 2 goals and 8 points across 55 combined games between Anaheim and Colorado.
Boston Bruins Era (2023–2024)
On July 1, 2023, Megna signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins. He spent much of the season with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, where he recorded 19 goals and 37 assists through 69 appearances.
His strong play was rewarded with a recall to the NHL on April 16, 2024. He made his Bruins debut the same day against the Ottawa Senators in the final game of the regular season.
Colorado Eagles Era (2024–Present)
At the conclusion of his contract with the Bruins, Megna opted to return to Colorado, signing a two-year AHL contract with the Eagles on July 9, 2024. He was restored as team captain in advance of the 2024–25 season, marking his fifth year with the club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Megna is recognized as a versatile, two-way forward who excels in a depth role at the NHL level while serving as a leader and offensive contributor in the AHL. His ability to play center and wing, combined with his right-handed shot, makes him a flexible lineup option for coaching staffs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Megna’s career are his first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 28, 2013, his first multi-goal game with the Vancouver Canucks on December 8, 2016, and his appointment as captain of the Colorado Eagles, a role he has held across multiple stints with the organization.
Jayson Megna Career Wins
As an undrafted free agent who has played more than a decade of professional hockey, Megna’s career has been built on consistency rather than headline-grabbing statistics. His milestones, including his first NHL goal, his first multi-goal game, and his captaincy of the Colorado Eagles, reflect a steady, team-first approach to the sport.
NHL Highlights
Megna recorded his first NHL point and first NHL goal within days of his debut in October 2013, a memorable start to his top-level career. His two-goal performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 8, 2016, stands as his most notable individual offensive showing in the NHL, and he finished the 2022–23 season with the Anaheim Ducks with 2 goals and 8 points in 55 combined games, his highest NHL output in several years.
AHL Highlights
In the AHL, Megna has served as a leader and offensive contributor, particularly during his time with the Hershey Bears, where he posted 20 goals and 43 points in 71 games during the 2018–19 regular season, adding 8 points in 9 postseason contests. He has also been a dependable scorer and captain for the Colorado Eagles across multiple seasons.
Jayson Megna Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jayson Megna comes from a family with deep roots in professional sports. His father, Jay Megna, was a defensive back who played in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints during the 1980s, giving Jayson a strong athletic foundation from a young age.
His younger brother, Jaycob Megna, born December 10, 1992, is also a professional hockey player and has played in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. The two brothers even played together on the same team at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, continuing the family’s competitive tradition.
Personal Life
Megna is married to Taylor Craig, the daughter of Jim Craig, the goaltender for the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2021, adding a new chapter to the Megna family story.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Jayson Megna continues his role as captain of the Colorado Eagles, a position he resumed ahead of the 2024–25 campaign. As a veteran leader on an AHL roster closely tied to the Colorado Avalanche organization, Megna is expected to provide stability, mentorship, and offensive production for the Eagles throughout the year.
His long-standing relationship with the Avalanche system and his familiarity with the Eagles’ playing style position him as a central figure in the team’s pursuit of a deep postseason run. The 2025 season represents another opportunity for Megna to demonstrate the leadership and consistency that have defined his professional career.
