Tyler Myers discusses joining the Canucks

One of the newest members of the Canucks met with the media this afternoon to discuss his decision to sign in Vancouver.

The Canucks officially signed blueliner Tyler Myers to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.0M per season today. The towering 6’8″, 229 lbs defenseman had nine goals and 31 points in 80 games with the Winnipeg Jets last season.

Myers says there were 2-3 serious contenders to land him in free agency. He said the in-person meeting with the Canucks really sold him on Vancouver. He left that meeting feeling very serious about signing with the Canucks.

“I look at the team and the city. My family is from Kelowna. Not only about am I very excited where the team is at, you take a look at the jump they made last year. That was exciting for me to see when making my decision.  I can try to be a piece to help them take that next step forward. I wanted a good fit for my family. I’m very excited for my wife being close to home. Obviously the city speaks for itself. It’s a great city. I always enjoyed coming to play here. It’s just a great fit all-around for us.”

Myers also talked about what he’s bringing to the Canucks.

“I think my biggest strength is my skating. When I’m playing my best hockey I’m moving my feet. Usually the rest follows. It’s really just focusing on something as little as that. Not overthinking. Playing a simple game. Making sure I’m moving my feet. The rest will take care of itself.”

At 6-foot-8, Myers is bringing big size to Vancouver’s blueline. He talked about adapting to the evolving speed of today’s game.

“Obviously the game is trending towards a faster game. You see the pace of play is getting faster and faster. As a bigger guy I think we get labelled that we don’t move as well as the smaller guys. I pride myself on being a guy that moves well. You still have to work at it. A lot of the offseason prep is making sure you’re staying quick for today’s game and making sure you can keep up.”

GM Jim Benning was also at the presser to talk about where Myers slots in on the Canucks blueline.

“Our objective going into free agency was to make our defense better. I think today we accomplished that”, Benning said.”

“Adding Tyler, Jordie Benn and Oscar [Fantenberg]. It makes our defense deeper. I talked to Travis [Green]. He’s going to see how Myers plays out in training camp. We could use him with Alex Edler in a matchup role. He could play with Quinn [Hughes]. With his skating and versatility, he can play different roles for our group. I’m very happy today that he chose us.”

Myers was a member of a talented defense core in Winnipeg and is projected to take on a bigger role and more responsibility in Vancouver.