Jayson Megna
American forward who scored first NHL goal with Pittsburgh Penguins.
Jayson Megna is an American professional ice hockey forward and the current captain of the Colorado Eagles in the AHL. He was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, where he began playing hockey at age seven.
As a youth, Megna played in the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Chicago Young Americans. He attended Glenbrook North High School and Tabor Academy, graduating in 2009. He then spent two seasons in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders before joining the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he played alongside his brother Jaycob. Megna was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team during his college career.
After his freshman year, Megna attended the Pittsburgh Penguins’ development camp and signed a two-way contract on August 1, 2012. He was recalled from the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on October 24, 2013, making his NHL debut the next day against the New York Islanders. On October 28, 2013, he recorded his first NHL point (an assist) and his first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes.
On July 1, 2015, Megna left Pittsburgh as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way deal with the New York Rangers. He started the 2015–16 season with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, was promoted to the Rangers on November 30, 2015, returned to Hartford on January 22, 2016, and was recalled again on April 20, 2016.
On July 1, 2016, Megna signed a one-year, one-way contract with the Vancouver Canucks. He was assigned to the AHL’s Utica Comets to start the season but was recalled on October 24, 2016. On December 8, 2016, he scored two goals in a 5–1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, his first career multi-goal game. He signed a one-year extension with the Canucks on April 2, 2017.
On July 1, 2018, Megna signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Washington Capitals. Playing for their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, he produced 20 goals and 43 points in 71 regular-season games, adding 8 points in 9 postseason games.
On July 1, 2019, Megna signed a one-year, two-way, $700,000 contract with the Colorado Avalanche. After training camp, he was assigned to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. He was recalled and made his Avalanche debut on October 30, 2019, in a 4–3 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers.
Quick Facts
- Height
- 6 ft 1 in
- Weight
- 195 lb
- Born
- 1 February 1990
- Birthplace
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
- Position
- Center
- Shoots
- Right
- League
- AHL
- Team
- Colorado Eagles
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Megna grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, and began playing hockey at age 7. He played high school hockey at Glenbrook North High School and Tabor Academy before joining the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL for two seasons. He then played at the University of Nebraska at Omaha alongside his brother Jaycob, earning a spot on the WCHA All-Rookie Team. After his freshman year, he attended the Pittsburgh Penguins development camp and signed a two-way contract. He made his NHL debut against the New York Islanders on October 25, 2013, and scored his first NHL goal three days later against the Carolina Hurricanes. Megna later signed with the Vancouver Canucks as a free agent on July 1, 2016, and on December 8, 2016, he scored two goals to help the Canucks defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5–1 for his first career multi-goal game. He signed a one-year extension with the Canucks on April 2, 2017.
Reader's Guide
Jayson Megna's career is notable for his journeyman path through multiple NHL organizations, often serving as a depth forward and AHL contributor. He played for seven NHL teams, with his most significant NHL action coming with the Vancouver Canucks and later the Anaheim Ducks, where he appeared in 55 games in the 2022–23 season. His time with the Colorado Avalanche included being part of their taxi squad during the pandemic-delayed season and recording his first points with the team in May 2021. Megna also served as captain of the Colorado Eagles in the AHL, a role he resumed in 2024. His career includes a multi-goal game with the Canucks and a recall to the Boston Bruins in April 2024 after a productive AHL season. Off the ice, he is married to Taylor Craig, daughter of 1980 U.S. Olympic goaltender Jim Craig, and the couple welcomed their first daughter in 2021. His father, Jay, played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints.
Did You Know?
- Megna's father, Jay, was a defensive back for the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints in the 1980s.
- He scored his first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 28, 2013.
- Megna's first career multi-goal game came on December 8, 2016, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Jayson Megna born?
Jayson Megna was born on 1 February 1990 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
What position does Jayson Megna play?
Jayson Megna's position is listed as center.
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