Report: Canucks to meet with pending free agent Tyler Myers in Vancouver

The Canucks will be meeting with blueliner Tyler Myers today in Vancouver as the unrestricted free-agent negotiation window opens.

Myers has spent the last five years in Winnipeg where he was a reliable blueliner for the Jets. The 29-year-old registered nine goals and 31 points in 80 games this past season. Myers is set to become a UFA with his previous seven-year deal expiring at the end of 2018-19. He was making $5.5 million per year. Given the market for top-four right-shot defenseman, you can only imagine the type of money Myers will be demanding on his next contract.

While the Canucks re-signed Alex Edler to a two-year deal, they haven’t made any other moves to improve their current defense core. The team also didn’t use any of their nine drafts picks in the 2019 Draft to select a blueliner. It’s apparent the team will be looking to add to their defense this offseason through a trade or via free agency.

Would Myers fit the Canucks? The 6′ 8″, 229 lbs blueliners towers over many skaters in the NHL. He’s a puck-moving rearguard and can quarterback a power play. It’s worth noting, however, that since his Calder Trophy season in 2010, Myers has never hit the 40-point mark again. He does bring a physical element and is okay defensively. Myers had 97 hits, 63 PIM and a 49.14 Corsi For Percentage this past season.

Myers was originally selected by the Buffalo Sabres 12th overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. He was traded to the Jets in 2015. Given his draft selection and his terrific rookie season, Myers has failed to meet expectations in his career to date. He’s been good, but people were expecting more. He was projected to be a game-changer on the blueliner. Instead, he’s become more of a solid complimentary piece.

Myers has great size, good offensive hockey sense and brings a physical element to a blueline that could use it. Top blueliners Troy Stecher and Quinn Hughes aren’t exactly intimidating for opposing forwards. Given the money and term Myers will be demanding, the Canucks will need to seriously consider if this is the blueliner they think will help them take that next step. Myers is exiting his prime and some team will overpay for his services. Should it be the Canucks?