Where Will Tyler Myers Land?

Considering how early in the season we are it’s somewhat surprising there are so many big names being batted about in trade rumors. But the biggest of them all, literally, is actually no surprise at all.

Tyler Myers, the 6’8”, 219 pound defenseman is having to play through his second consecutive season of trade talks. And again he is being linked most often to the Detroit Red Wings. The impasse seems to be the Sabres asking price, which is understandably high considering Myers is 24, has a Calder Trophy and has shown progress in regaining his form under Ted Nolan. Much has been made about what the Sabres have asked for from Detroit, but the report also indicates the Sabres have discussed Myers with “multiple teams”.

So why let Detroit grab all the headlines? Here are a few lesser discussed potential trade destinations where Myers may land:

1) Edmonton Oilers – there is not another team in the league begging to be completely dismantled as badly as the Oilers, already with a -13 goal differential through five games. A recent history of drafting high end offensive talent at the top of the draft in Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov has not produced 1980’s era results. This years top pick Darnell Nurse was just sent back down, perhaps more to keep him away from this potentially toxic environment. Both goaltenders were just changed, so the Oilers could be inclined to flip their depth and move one of the talented forwards to obtain some NHL caliber defensive help. I don’t see parting with RNH or Hall being realistic, but keep your eye on Yakupov. He is an RFA after the season and you can expect him to ask for a raise over his $925,000 cap hit. Is Edmonton going to continue to throw money at the offense, or will they contact a team they have a bit of trade history with and offer a talented forward to a team in desperate need of them?

2) Winnipeg Jets – even though the Jets have a fair amount of salary tied up in their back end with Toby Enstrom, Zach Bogosian and Mark Stuart that could easily be viewed as a positive for bringing in Myers. He would not have to step into this situation and be “the man” if there are still questions about where his ceiling is. And the money makes a great deal of sense here if you look at the Jets potential malcontent, Evander Kane. Kane has four years left on his deal at $5.25 million, while Myers has one more year over Kane at $5.5 million per season according to capgeek.com. A pair of young, talented and struggling players being dealt nearly straight up in a “change of scenery” move could make a great deal of sense for both teams and players involved. Winnipeg also has a connection to Buffalo, having signed former Sabre Adam Pardy to a one year deal in the offseason. If they are familiar with Pardy, it stands to reason they may have already scouted Myers.

3) San Jose Sharks – for a team that spent the offseason blustering about big changes to improve after last years first round playoff collapse, they really didn’t do much other than unnecessarily shame captain Joe Thornton. While moving Brent Burns back to defense is an indication that they understand they need help there, is that really going to be what makes the difference in a deep playoff run? With just over $5 million in cap space this year, they have the space to bring in Myers. Is Daniil Tarasov and pending UFA Tyler Kennedy a place to start the negotiations? San Jose would be wise to kick the tires on Myers and give their fans a reason to believe that this years playoff run will be different than last year.