Tyler Myers has been traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Dallas Stars. The trade, which happened earlier this afternoon, sees a 2nd round pick 2027, and a 4th round pick in 2029 return Vancouver’s way.
The Canucks are also retaining 50% of Myers $3 million AAV contract, bringing his cap-hit down to $1.5M for the stars. Myers also held a full no move clause, meaning he had his pick of destination. Ultimately, after a week of being held out of games in preparation for a trade, Myers lands on Dallas, who are in the midst of a 10 game win streak, and have plenty of need for right handed defenders.
The veteran defenceman will be missed in Vancouver, after playing for the Canucks for 7 seasons. The giant 6’8” defender’s time in Vancouver was mired by ups and downs, but after a less than loved welcome during his initial seasons in Vancouver, Myers’ utmost professionalism and leadership made him a fan favourite amongst Canucks fans.
As for the trade itself, both teams make out well. The Dallas Stars, as good of a team as they have been this season, have a glaring need for right handed defencemen. As well, the salary retention for not only this season but next season also, make Myers’ contract easy to swallow for the Stars as they navigate the salary cap.
For the Canucks, general manager Patrick Allvin is doing what he said he would, acquiring more draft capital to help kickstart this Canuck’s rebuild. Though neither picks are for the year, having those picks stored for either the Canucks own use down the road, or for currency in a future trade, is an asset. 1st and 2nd round picks are especially important. This season, over 53% of players who have played at least 1 game have come from the first 2 rounds of the NHL draft, (per QuantHockey.com) and so getting yet another pick in the first 2 rounds is excellent work for the Canucks.
Ultimately a hockey business decision, but Tyler Myers will certainly be missed in Vancouver, by management, players, and fans alike. “I want to thank Tyler for his time here in Vancouver.” GM Allvin told the media after the trade was finalized. “He is a great person, and has been a great hockey player for us.”
The trading of Myers is the unofficial beginning of the Canucks firesale and rebuild before this upcoming trade deadline on Friday afternoon. Though Myers is the only peice to be moved so far, talks are beginning to pick up rapidly around the league, and the expectation is that the Canucks are only getting started. Vancouver will play an emotional game officially without Tyler Myers tonight, as the host the Carolina Hurricanes.
