The Tyler Myers rumors are heating up again. After a ton of speculation indicated the Detroit Red Wings were pushing hard for Myers, the rumor mill quieted down during the All-Star break. Now it’s heating back up and the Anaheim Ducks are the latest team connected to Myers.
Via the Ottawa Sun, the Ducks are reportedly having “regular talks” with the Sabres about Myers.
With the playoffs just over two months away, you can expect the Anaheim Ducks to step up their efforts to acquire Buffalo defenceman Tyler Myers. Anaheim GM Bob Murray doesn’t want Myers going to the Red Wings — or anywhere else for that matter — and has held regular talks with Buffalo. If the Sabres are going to move Myers, they want big pieces in return because the organization isn’t convinced he won’t be just fine down the road. The Ducks have the assets to make the deal and Buffalo GM Tim Murray can get the ball rolling on the deadline.
The Ducks are motivated to boost their own defense, but they may be even more motivated to make a trade to prevent other potential playoff teams from securing Myers’ services. The report also indicated that league executives believe the Ducks have the bargaining chips necessary to complete a deal which may give them a leg up on the competition. There’s also speculation that the Colorado Avalanche are interested in Myers, but they may lack the pieces to get it done.
Myers still has four years left on his current contract and carries an average cap hit of $5.5 million. At 24, Myers still has time left to grow and further develop in the NHL even though he has already been in the league since 2009-10. Surrounding Myers with some better talent may assist in elevating his game to the next level.
There’s obviously a lot of interest in Myers. Where will he end up?
