Detroit Red Wings In Hunt for Coveted College Captain

Sportsnet’s Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Minnesota Wild are the favorite to land undrafted University of Minnesota captain Ben Meyers. But Friedman also said the Detroit Red Wings are still in contention.

The Philadelphia Flyers are another team that reportedly pushing for Meyers. Friedman revealed his reporting on the Athletic’s “Straight From the Source.” podcast.

Meyers is one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the player selected as the best player in college hockey. The other finalists are Denver’s Bobby Brink and Minnesota State Mankato’s Dryden McKay.

Meyers is from Minnesota, which would make the Wild a logical frontrunner. But Meyers might be attracted to playing for a rebuilding team like the Red Wings. He would, in theory, have a better opportunity to play with a team that is committed to using younger players.

The Red Wings are looking to add more forwards to their depth chart. Sources say Meyers, 23, might be ready to play in the NHL right away. This season, Meyers has scored 17 goals and registered 41 points in 33 games. He was also named to play for the U.S. Olympic team in Beijing, China. He had two goals and four points in four games.

Red Wings Scout College Players

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told the media recently that he was looking at some potential college free agents, although he didn’t say who those players are.

“Like the rest of the league we’re following the free agents in college,” Yzerman said. “There’s some of interest to us for sure. Problem is there’s really 32 teams competing for them. If you get one you’re pretty happy with it. But we’re all following it and we’ll see what happens. ”

Meyers wouldn’t make any decisions until after the Frozen Four, which will be played April 7 and 9. Meyers’ Minnesota team will be playing against Minnesota State Mankato.

Last season, the Red Wings signed a college free agent, although not directly. Defenseman Wyatt Newpower was captain at Connecticut. He signed a tryout contract with the AHL’s Cleveland team. After the season, Newpower was a free agent and the Red Wings signed him. He played this season in Grand Rapids.