According to Frank Seravalli of TSN, the Vancouver Canucks are expected to sign defenseman Tyler Myers to a five-year deal worth about $30 million once NHL free agency begins.
The Vancouver Canucks have been looking to improve their defense this summer. Armed with a ton of cap space, it appears they have landed their primary target. According to TSN’s Frank Seravalli, Tyler Myers is expected to sign a five-year deal worth about $30 million with the Canucks once NHL free agency opens.
This is a bit lower than most people expected with Myers. There were some reports that he was going to get at least $7 million a year, which is insane. But even at $6 million, Myers is a bit expensive and overpaid.
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On the Canucks, he should join their second pairing. However, Myers is far better suited in a third pairing role. That’s the role he played with the Winnipeg Jets. It’s worth noting despite facing sheltered competition, Myers still managed to post negative possession stats.
During the 2018-19 season, he posted nine goals, 22 assists, and 31 points in 80 games. Myers has averaged at least 20 minutes per game in each of his NHL seasons, though his 20:21 TOI average last season was the lowest of his career.
He’s perhaps most famous for winning the Calder Trophy back in 2010. Myers has yet to repeat his rookie success, as his 11 goals and 48 points from that season remain his career highs in each category.
Myers has spent time with the Buffalo Sabres (six seasons) and Jets (five seasons). At 29 years old, he’s dangerously close to 30 years old. Myers is a solid offensive defenseman but has struggled mightily in the defensive zone. He’s not overly strong in transition either.
In 635 career games, Myers has 74 goals, 191 assists, and 265 points. Additionally, he has 15 points (seven goals and eight assists) in 39 postseason games. 13 of those 39 came with the Sabres and 26 of them came with the Jets.
There is no word on if there are any no-trade clause or no-movement clause involved, but it seems likely Myers will have at least some form of protection. If he doesn’t, this deal is better than it appears at first sight. But that’s likely not the case.
The Canucks have now added two new defensemen full-time – Myers and Quinn Hughes. Reportedly, they are also close to adding Jordie Benn, who would give them a completely new look on the blue line. Whether or not that’s a good thing remains to be seen.