Jayson Megna Bio
Jayson Megna is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently the captain of the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL). Megna was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but grew up in Northbrook, Illinois where he started to play hockey at the age of 7. He has made a significant impact in professional hockey since beginning his career in 2012, showcasing his skills across various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) and AHL.
Early Life and Background
Jayson Megna was born on February 1, 1990, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was raised in Northbrook, Illinois, where he developed a passion for hockey at a young age. Megna began playing hockey at the age of seven and quickly showed promise in the sport. His early exposure to hockey laid the foundation for his future career, as he participated in various youth leagues and tournaments, including the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Chicago Young Americans minor ice hockey team.
Megna attended Glenbrook North High School, where he continued to hone his skills in hockey. After high school, he played for Tabor Academy before moving on to the United States Hockey League (USHL). He spent two seasons with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders, further developing his game and gaining valuable experience before transitioning to college hockey.
Path to Hockey
After his time in the USHL, Jayson Megna attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he played alongside his brother, Jaycob Megna. During his college career, he was recognized for his talent and was named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) All-Rookie Team. His performance at the collegiate level caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his participation in the Pittsburgh Penguins development camp.
In August 2012, Megna signed a two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking the beginning of his professional hockey career. He made his NHL debut on October 25, 2013, against the New York Islanders, and quickly made an impact by scoring his first NHL point and goal just a few days later against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Jayson Megna Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
Jayson Megna began his professional career with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2012. After signing a contract with the team, he spent time developing in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. During the 2013–14 season, he made his NHL debut and demonstrated his potential as a forward.
After three seasons with the Penguins, Megna signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers in July 2015. He spent part of the 2015–16 season with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack, before being promoted to the NHL team.
Breakthrough (2016–2019)
In July 2016, Jayson Megna signed a one-year, one-way contract with the Vancouver Canucks. He started the season with the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, but was recalled to the NHL team shortly after. Megna had a standout performance on December 8, 2016, scoring two goals in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking his first multi-goal game in the NHL.
Following his time with the Canucks, Megna signed with the Washington Capitals in July 2018. He played a key role with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, where he recorded 20 goals and 43 points during the regular season. His strong performance helped him secure a contract with the Colorado Avalanche in July 2019, where he continued to develop his skills and contribute to the team’s success.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Jayson Megna has played for several NHL teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, and Anaheim Ducks. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level, earning recognition for his contributions on the ice.
Jayson Megna Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jayson Megna has not received any notable award nominations, but he has made significant contributions to his teams and continues to be a valuable player in the AHL.
Jayson Megna Awards Won
Jayson Megna has not won any major awards during his professional hockey career, but his dedication and performance have earned him respect within the hockey community.
Jayson Megna Family
Jayson Megna is married to Taylor Craig, who is the daughter of Jim Craig, a goaltender for the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1980. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2021. Megna’s younger brother, Jaycob Megna, is also a professional hockey player currently playing for the Florida Panthers.
Personal Life
Jayson Megna maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and career. He continues to play professionally and is dedicated to his role as captain of the Colorado Eagles, leading his team with experience and skill.
