Jayson Megna Bio
Jayson Megna is an American professional ice hockey forward currently serving as the captain of the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Megna grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, where he first stepped onto the ice at the age of seven. Standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing 88 kilograms, Megna has built a steady professional career through perseverance, positional versatility, and consistent two-way play. Across more than a decade in professional hockey, he has suited up for seven National Hockey League organizations while remaining a trusted leader at the AHL level.
Early Life and Background
Jayson Megna was born on February 1, 1990, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but his family later settled in Northbrook, Illinois. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Megna discovered hockey at age seven and quickly committed to the sport. He played minor hockey in the Chicago area and was a member of the Chicago Young Americans at the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, one of the most prestigious youth events in North America.
Megna attended Glenbrook North High School before transferring to Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 2009. He comes from an athletic family. His father, Jay, played defensive back for the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints during the 1980s, giving Jayson an early appreciation for professional sports and the discipline required at the highest levels.
Path to Professional Hockey
After high school, Megna joined the United States Hockey League (USHL), playing two seasons with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders. The USHL is widely regarded as the top development league for NCAA-eligible American prospects, and his time there helped refine his two-way game and leadership skills. Following his USHL stint, Megna enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he played alongside his younger brother Jaycob Megna, a defenseman.
Megna earned WCHA All-Rookie Team honors during his freshman season, signaling his readiness for the professional ranks. After his freshman year, he attended the Pittsburgh Penguins development camp, which opened the door to his NHL opportunity. On August 1, 2012, Megna signed a two-way contract with the Penguins, launching a professional career that has now spanned more than twelve seasons.
Jayson Megna Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
Jayson Megna began his professional career with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, where he developed into a reliable two-way forward. In the 2013–14 season, Megna was recalled to the NHL on October 24, 2013, and made his debut against the New York Islanders the following night. Three days later, on October 28, 2013, he recorded his first NHL point, an assist, and also scored his first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Megna spent parts of three seasons within the Penguins organization, sharpening his game at both levels and establishing himself as a dependable bottom-six forward. He became a free agent on July 1, 2015, after his entry-level deal expired, looking for a new opportunity elsewhere.
NHL Breakthrough Years (2015–2019)
On July 1, 2015, Jayson Megna signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers. He began the 2015–16 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, and was promoted to the NHL on November 30, 2015. After a brief return to the Wolf Pack, he was recalled once more by the Rangers on April 20, 2016, for the closing stretch of the season.
As a free agent on July 1, 2016, Megna signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Vancouver Canucks. He started the season with the Utica Comets but was recalled on October 24, 2016. On December 8, 2016, he scored two goals to lead the Canucks to a 5–1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, recording his first career multi-goal game. After agreeing to a one-year extension on April 2, 2017, Megna signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent on July 1, 2018. With the Hershey Bears, he produced 20 goals and 43 points in 71 regular-season games while adding 8 points in nine playoff appearances, showcasing his offensive upside at the AHL level.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2019–2022)
On July 1, 2019, Megna signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Colorado Avalanche. He began the season with the Colorado Eagles but was recalled after collecting four points in eight AHL games. He made his Avalanche debut on October 30, 2019, in a 4–3 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers. Megna returned to the Eagles, where he tallied 18 goals and 34 points in 43 games before the season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After re-signing on October 11, 2020, Megna spent the pandemic-delayed 2021–22 season shuttling between the Eagles and Avalanche, primarily serving on the taxi squad. He recorded his first NHL points with Colorado, picking up two assists in back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Kings on May 12 and May 13, 2021. On June 16, 2021, he agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain with the organization.
Anaheim and Boston Years (2022–2024)
Megna returned to the Eagles as captain to open the 2022–23 season before being recalled by the Avalanche. After going scoreless through 14 NHL games, he was placed on waivers and claimed by the Anaheim Ducks on December 6, 2022. Megna finished the year with 2 goals and 8 points in 55 combined games, his most extensive NHL action since 2017.
On July 1, 2023, Megna signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Boston Bruins. With the Providence Bruins, he recorded 19 goals and 37 assists across 69 appearances before a well-earned recall on April 16, 2024. He made his Bruins debut the same day against the Ottawa Senators in the regular-season finale.
Return to Colorado (2024–Present)
On July 9, 2024, Megna signed a two-year AHL contract with the Colorado Eagles, returning to the organization where he had previously served as captain. He was restored as team captain for the 2024–25 season, his fifth year with the club. The veteran continues to provide leadership, penalty-killing reliability, and steady two-way play for the Eagles.
Driving Style and Strengths
Megna is recognized for his responsible, two-way game, dependable penalty killing, and leadership qualities. His skating, hockey sense, and positional awareness have allowed him to transition between center and wing roles throughout his career. Trusted by coaches at both the AHL and NHL levels, he consistently provides a calming veteran presence in the locker room and on the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Megna’s career highlights are his NHL debut with the Penguins in October 2013, his first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes, his multi-goal performance with the Vancouver Canucks against Tampa Bay in December 2016, and his first NHL points with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs run. He has been named captain of the Colorado Eagles multiple times across his tenure.
Jayson Megna Career Wins
Across the NHL and AHL, Jayson Megna has accumulated a steady body of work as a two-way forward rather than a high-volume scorer. His career has been defined by versatility, reliability, and leadership, with his most productive offensive outputs coming at the AHL level, particularly during his time with the Hershey Bears and Providence Bruins.
NHL Highlights
Megna’s NHL resume includes stints with seven organizations: the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, and Boston Bruins. He has recorded multi-point games, including his two-goal effort against Tampa Bay in 2016, and contributed key assists during Colorado’s 2021 playoff run.
Other Wins and Performances
At the AHL level, Megna has been a consistent offensive contributor. His standout seasons include 20 goals and 43 points with the Hershey Bears in 2018–19 and 19 goals and 37 assists with the Providence Bruins in 2023–24. As a multi-time captain of the Colorado Eagles, he has been a central figure in one of the AHL’s most successful franchises.
Jayson Megna Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Jayson Megna was raised in an athletic household. His father, Jay, was a defensive back for the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints during the 1980s, instilling a strong work ethic and competitive drive in his sons. His younger brother, Jaycob Megna, born December 10, 1992, is also a professional hockey player and has played in the NHL with the Florida Panthers organization.
Personal Life
Jayson Megna is married to Taylor Craig, the daughter of Jim Craig, the goaltender for the 1980 United States Olympic gold-medal-winning hockey team. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2021. With deep ties to both football and Olympic hockey heritage, the Megna family remains closely connected to North American sports history.
2025 Season Performance
Entering 2025, Jayson Megna continues his role as captain of the Colorado Eagles, serving in his fifth year with the AHL franchise. Under his leadership, the Eagles remain one of the AHL’s premier clubs, and Megna’s steady two-way play, penalty killing, and veteran presence set the tone for the locker room.
With the Avalanche organization once again calling on its established AHL pipeline, Megna’s experience offers a familiar bridge between developing prospects and NHL opportunities. His consistent production, mentorship, and championship pedigree from his years in the system make him a central figure in the Eagles’ continued pursuit of success in 2025.