You’ve probably heard a ton of rumors around the NHL featuring Tyler Myers. Lots of teams want the defenseman, but to date the Sabres haven’t given any indication that they actually want to trade Myers away. While that may change in the future, GM Tim Murray has made it clear that he hasn’t actively shopped Myers around to other teams in the league.
Via NHL.com:
“I’ve never made a call to another team on Tyler Myers. I’ve had some calls, and I think it’s kind of a domino effect where one or two teams see in other press, not Buffalo press, and called asking if it was true. I have not tried to trade this guy. Some teams have asked about availability. I’ve plainly said, ‘I’m not trying to trade the guy, if you want to knock my socks off with an offer I’ll listen,’ but it would have to be a major, major trade for me to move this guy. I’m not pursuing that.”
Barring some sort of major surprise, Murray has effectively dumped water on all of the hot stove talk surrounding Myers. Murray openly admits that his stance on Myers might change should a crazy offer be extended, but that’s the case with every player in the NHL. Any player becomes tradable with the right offer.
Myers is a pretty attractive target for contenders and it’s pretty easy to understand why. Plus/minus isn’t the best measuring stick, but it’s pretty noteworthy that Myers’ (-7) is as solid as it is considering how many minutes he plays for one of the worst teams in the league. In terms of cap hit ($5.5 million a year through 2018-19), Myers’ is rather easy to manage.
As always, take a GM’s comments for what they are. Posturing is a very real thing in the NHL – as it is in every sport – and Murray’s comments are no different. Myers’ value was already pretty high and Murray’s comments may drive the price up a bit higher if teams believe he’s off the table.
