‘We changed the standard’: Tyler Myers talks returning to the Vancouver Canucks
By Jagraj Lalli
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Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced on Thursday that the club agreed to terms with defenceman Tyler Myers on a three-year, $9 million contract extension. The new deal will have an average annual value (AAV) of $3 million. During the 2023-24 regular season, Myers tallied five goals and 24 assists for 29 points in 77 games. His 24 assists and 29 points ranked third among Canucks defenceman.
Speaking to the media on Friday morning via Zoom, Myers expressed his enthusiasm for the new deal and his commitment to the team. Reflecting on his desire to stay in Vancouver, he said, “Yeah, that was always what I wanted and what our family wanted. We’re super excited to build off what we had last year. It’s great for us being close to home, and I’m really happy for the family.”
The veteran defenceman emphasized the importance of communication within the team as a key factor in their success. “Communication was the biggest thing. It felt like we were talking every day, and it wasn’t just me; it was all the defencemen and everyone on the team. The communication was constant. Everyone was always trying to get better, and that created more talk within the room and more communication from the coaches to the players. For me, that meant a lot less guessing on the ice.”
When asked about the timing of the signing, Myers shared his perspective on the process. “Any player who wants to be in a certain spot would love to get it done as fast as possible, but I’ve been around long enough to know it doesn’t always work like that. Even though it happened later, that didn’t matter much to me. I’m just really happy we were able to get it done.”
Myers also highlighted the team’s progress and his belief in their potential. “What we were able to do last year as an organization and where we were able to take ourselves, getting the feeling of how it should be and the approach the room is now taking on the ice, were all thoughts I had when deciding to return. Obviously, there’s a family factor since we live in B.C., so being close to home was important. There were many things that made me want to come back, but where we were able to take ourselves as a group was a big part of it. I truly believe in our team, and I think what we accomplished last year, even though it’s not where we want to be, is a good stepping stone to where we’re trying to get to.”
Regarding the team’s culture shift, Myers noted, “We changed the standard. We talked about raising our standard as a group, but it wasn’t a switch we flipped overnight. We built off some early success at the start of the season, and that belief grew. Guys came to the rink every day looking to get better. If someone was unsure about something, they were more open to talking to other players or coaches to figure it out. That open dialogue and constant communication allowed us to build a different feeling by the end of the season compared to the start. Guys were coming in earlier than usual before camp, getting more skates in. All these things create an atmosphere that helps change the culture and standard. We just have to continue that.”
Myers also stressed the importance of maintaining their momentum. “It’s important to realize that just because we reached a certain level last year, it doesn’t mean it will be any easier to do it again. We need to come in with the same mindset and understand that it takes even more hard work to reach the next level. We can’t just say we’re ready; we have to keep the dialogue open and continue working together as a group to constantly improve.”
As an experienced player, Myers embraces his leadership role on the team. “I’ve just finished my fifth year with the group, and in many ways, I was still finding my way, even as an older player, during the first few years. Over the last year and a half, there has been a lot more stability for everyone. As a group, we’ve been building together, but we’ve also grown individually. As an older player, I try to help the young guys as much as I can and create accountability where needed. However, everyone in the room has done this. Younger players have stepped up, holding each other accountable and discussing the little things that change our culture. As an older guy, I’ll continue to help in any way I can.”
Myers, originally selected No. 12 overall in the 2008 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, has appeared in 995 career games with the Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Buffalo Sabres, recording 93 goals and 278 assists for 371 points and amassing 787 penalty minutes.
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