The Colorado Avalanche have won the sweepstakes of prized college free agent Ben Meyers. The Delano native and former University of Minnesota captain signed a two-year deal with the team on Wednesday.

Another one inked!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/qHSAIvL9QY— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 13, 2022

Minnesota Wild fans will likely be upset as many of them expected Meyers to sign in his hometown state, but now he will be playing with their biggest rivals. The Hobey Baker finalist and Big Ten Player of the Year showcased a terrific final season in college hockey, tallying 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 34 games for the Gophers.

Meyers is a top-end two-way player with the size and speed to be a great bottom-six forward with potential to be even better at the NHL level, especially on a team as talented as the Avalanche. Even with this being a huge signing for the Avs, he is not playoff eligible this season. Along with this, he can start immediately, but the first year of his contract would have to be burned.

Avs have won the Ben Meyers sweepstakes.

Delano native, University of Minnesota captain, Hobey Baker finalist and Big Ten Player of the Year has signed a 2-year deal with his home state's rival team.

Can start immediately if first year is burned, not playoff eligible— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 13, 2022