Ben Gleason Bio
Benjamin Gleason (born March 25, 1998) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 185 cm and weighing 86 kg, Gleason has built his career on steady two-way play since turning professional in 2018. He is recognized for his skating, his work along the blue line, and his willingness to join the rush when the opportunity arises.
After beginning his career within the Dallas Stars organization, Gleason has continued to develop in the AHL, with stops in Texas, Bakersfield, and now Iowa. His path through the professional ranks has included brief NHL recalls and full seasons in the minor leagues, giving him a broad base of experience at the North American professional level.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Gleason was born on March 25, 1998, in Ortonville, Michigan, United States. Growing up in Michigan, a state with a deep hockey tradition, he was exposed to the sport from an early age. The competitive youth hockey environment in the region helped shape his development as a defenseman.
Hockey has been a family pursuit for the Gleasons. Ben Gleason is the cousin of former NHL defenseman Tim Gleason, and his extended family has included other competitive players. His cousin James Gleason played at Central Michigan University, while another cousin, Jacob, played for the Metro Jets in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). This family connection to the sport helped motivate his early commitment to the game.
Path to Hockey
Gleason entered the major junior ranks when he was selected in the second round, 36th overall, by the London Knights in the 2014 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft. The following year, in August 2015, he was one of 11 OHL players selected for the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, an exhibition that features the top U.S. NHL draft-eligible players.
On October 7, 2015, Gleason was traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2017 OHL Selection and a conditional 15th-round pick in 2019. He recorded 33 points in 66 games during that season, a strong offensive output for a defenseman. Despite that production, he was passed over in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The following season, as an overage player in 2017–18, he helped lead the Bulldogs to their first Leyden Trophy as the regular-season champion of the East Division in the OHL.
Ben Gleason Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
After going undrafted in the NHL, Gleason signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on September 13, 2018. Following the Stars’ training camp, he was assigned to the Texas Stars of the AHL to begin his professional career.
On November 10, 2018, Gleason received his first NHL recall and recorded his first NHL point that night, assisting on Denis Gurianov’s first NHL goal in a Stars overtime loss to the Nashville Predators. He was returned to the Texas Stars on November 22 and continued to develop his game in the AHL.
Dallas Stars Organization (2018–2023)
Gleason spent the bulk of his first five professional seasons within the Dallas Stars organization, moving between the NHL roster and the Texas Stars. He used his time in the AHL to refine his defensive play, penalty killing, and puck-moving skills. The organization relied on him as a reliable depth defenseman capable of stepping into NHL games when needed.
Although he never became a full-time NHL regular during this period, Gleason earned a reputation as a steady, positionally sound defenseman. His experience within a structured organization helped prepare him for the next stage of his career.
Edmonton Oilers and Bakersfield Condors (2023–2024)
As a free agent after his initial contract expired, Gleason signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 2, 2023. He impressed 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 the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, before the start of the regular season.
Gleason produced two goals and seven assists for nine points through 14 games with the Condors, a strong early pace that earned him an NHL recall on December 7, 2023. The Bakersfield assignment gave him top-four minutes and a leading role on the blue line.
Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild Era (2024–Present)
On November 4, 2024, during the 2024–25 season, Gleason was traded by the Oilers to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Ronnie Attard. The trade gave him a fresh opportunity within a new organization looking for depth on the blue line.
On July 2, 2025, Gleason signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild for the 2025–26 season. He was assigned to the Iowa Wild of the AHL, where he continues to play as a key part of Minnesota’s developmental pipeline.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gleason is known as a smooth-skating defenseman who moves the puck efficiently and reads the play well at both ends of the ice. His strongest contributions come on the power play and in transition, where his skating allows him to join the rush and recover defensively. Coaches have valued his poise under pressure and his willingness to play a physical game when required.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Gleason’s career are his first NHL point, an assist on Denis Gurianov’s debut NHL goal on November 10, 2018, and his role in helping the Hamilton Bulldogs capture the Leyden Trophy in 2017–18. His late preseason push with the Edmonton Oilers in 2023 also stood out as a turning point in his professional trajectory.
Ben Gleason Career Wins
As a defenseman throughout his major junior and professional career, Benjamin Gleason has accumulated individual and team successes at every level he has played. His win totals reflect his role as a depth contributor whose steady play has helped his teams compete in tight games.
OHL and Professional Highlights
During the 2017–18 OHL season, Gleason was part of the Hamilton Bulldogs team that won the Leyden Trophy as the East Division regular-season champion, a significant accomplishment in major junior hockey. In the AHL, he has been a consistent contributor for the Texas Stars, Bakersfield Condors, and Iowa Wild, posting productive offensive numbers for a defenseman.
His most recent NHL recall came on December 7, 2023, after a strong start with the Bakersfield Condors. These appearances and recalls represent some of the most notable benchmarks of his professional journey so far.
Other Wins and Performances
At the youth and junior level, Gleason was recognized as one of the top American prospects of his draft class, earning a selection to the 2015 USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. His selection 36th overall in the 2014 OHL draft by the London Knights marked the formal start of his elite development path.
Ben Gleason Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Benjamin Gleason comes from an ice hockey-playing family that has produced players at multiple levels of the sport. His cousin, Tim Gleason, is a former NHL defenseman whose career in the league helped inspire Benjamin’s own path in the game.
Personal Life
Two other cousins, James Gleason and Jacob Gleason, also pursued competitive hockey. James played at Central Michigan University, while Jacob played for the Metro Jets in the United States Premier Hockey League. The family’s collective involvement in the sport has been a defining part of Benjamin Gleason’s personal and athletic identity.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025–26 campaign, Gleason joined the Minnesota Wild organization on a one-year, two-way contract signed on July 2, 2025, and was assigned to the Iowa Wild of the AHL. The move provided him with a clear opportunity to play significant minutes in all situations for Minnesota’s top developmental affiliate.
The early part of the 2025–26 season has given Gleason a chance to settle into a consistent role with the Iowa Wild, where he is expected to quarterback the power play and log top-four minutes. His experience across multiple organizations has positioned him as a veteran presence on a young Iowa blue line.
With the Minnesota Wild monitoring development closely, Gleason’s 2025–26 performance will be a key factor in determining whether he earns another NHL opportunity. His mix of skating, defensive reliability, and offensive upside from the back end makes him a strong candidate to be among the first recalled if injuries or performance open a spot on the NHL roster.