Dexheimer inks deal with Minnesota Wild
April 15, 2026 | Men's Hockey
Captain signs one-year, entry-level contract with home-state team
MADISON, Wis. – After a four-year career with Wisconsin, team captain and senior defenseman Ben Dexheimer has signed a one-year, entry-level deal with the Minnesota Wild beginning in 2026-27, the franchise announced on Wednesday.
The defenseman will join the AHL's Iowa Wild on an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) contract for the remainder of the season.
Over his four years as a Badger, Dexheimer totaled 13 goals and 84 points in 149 games played. During his senior season, he tied his career-high in scoring with 28 points set during his sophomore year, and set a career high in goals with seven.
From Edina, Minnesota, the senior scored the game-winning goal, 24 seconds into overtime, against third-overall seed Michigan State in the 2026 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament regional finals to send Wisconsin to its first Frozen Four since 2010. He earned recognition on both the 2026 NCAA Worcester Regional and 2026 NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Teams for his outstanding postseason performances.
Dexheimer finished the 2025-26 season as the Big Ten's top scoring defenseman with 28 points on seven goals and 21 assists. He notched four game-winning goals to lead the roster, and his three power-play goals ranked fifth. The senior also sat second on the team in blocks with 56.
The Academic-All Big Ten and 2026 Hobey Baker fan vote nominee has been stellar on the blue line for the Badgers, also owning 2026 All-Big Ten First Team and 2024 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention nods, 2024-25 preseason All-Big Ten First Team honors and a Big Ten Star of the Week award. He was also Wisconsin's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Prior to skating for UW, the defenseman skated for the USHL's Madison Capitols and NAHL's Austin Bruins.
