Hockey prospects all mature and develop at different rates. Given the various routes one can take to becoming a pro, there isn’t a single linear path for all to follow. And while most junior prospects arrive in the AHL just a few seasons after being selected at the NHL Draft, college players often take a little longer.
As such, the rules are also a little different for prospects taking the NCAA route. NHL clubs who select those players essentially own their rights for four years, rather than the usual two years for junior players. When it comes to defenseman Ben Meehan, the Kings officially reached the proverbial end of that road this week.
By not signing him to an entry level contract prior to the Aug. 15 deadline, Meehan has now become an unrestricted free agent. Mayor’s Manor first reported the team was not planning to offer him a contract back in March as part of this article:
Meehan also did not come to Los Angeles in July for Development Camp. Instead, he was allowed to attended Dev Camp with the Florida Panthers.
Let’s just hope it went better than his trip to SoCal for Dev Camp in 2022:
Meehan was originally selected by the Kings at the 2020 NHL Draft (fifth round). During his four years at UMass Lowell, the 23-year-old defenseman played in a total of 109 games for the River Hawks. This past season, Meehan recorded one goal and 11 assists in his 25 GP. He’s now free to sign with any team interested in his services.
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