Tyler Myers Likely to Re-Sign with Canucks at a Discount – A Smart Move for Both Sides: The Vancouver Canucks are poised to make a significant move in the coming weeks, as reports suggest that veteran defenseman Tyler Myers is likely to re-sign with the team at a substantially reduced salary. The 34-year-old blueliner, who has been a staple on the Canucks’ blue line for the past five seasons, appears set to continue his tenure in Vancouver for around $3 million per season—a significant pay cut from his previous $6 million annual salary.

Tyler Myers’ Desire to Stay

The mutual interest between Myers and the Canucks has been apparent for some time. Myers has expressed his desire to remain in Vancouver, citing both personal and professional reasons. His wife is from British Columbia, and the family spends their offseasons in Kelowna, making Vancouver an ideal location for Myers on a personal level. Professionally, Myers has thrived under the Canucks’ current coaching staff, particularly since Rick Tocchet took over as head coach, with Adam Foote and Sergei Gonchar providing crucial guidance on the defensive end.

“What we’ve been able to build here the last year and a half, I think it’s really special to be a part of,” Myers told reporters at Rogers Arena on May 23. “It’s an unbelievable city. The fans were quite amazing in the playoffs. It was something special stepping out for every game. I would love to be back.”

The Coaching Impact

Myers has credited the structured play and accountability instilled by Tocchet and his assistants as key factors in his improved performance. Under their guidance, Myers has played a more reliable and consistent game, which has not gone unnoticed by the Canucks’ front office.

“They were awesome,” Myers said about Foote and Gonchar. “There wasn’t a lot of guessing for us stepping onto the ice. They held us very accountable, coming to the rink every day with constant reminders, things that we can get better at. I thought that communication and that approach from Footer and Gonch on the back end helped all of us out.”

Tyler Myers Contract Details and Financial Implications

Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK has echoed similar sentiments, indicating that while a deal isn’t “imminent,” he believes Myers will re-sign with the Canucks. According to Dhaliwal, the deal is expected to be for 2-3 years at around $3 million per season, possibly even a bit less. This would represent a significant discount from Myers’ previous contract, allowing the Canucks more financial flexibility to address other areas of need on the roster.

“I believe when it gets done with Myers, it should be 2-3 years at around $3 million [per season], maybe a tad under [$3 million],” Dhaliwal said. “I’m hearing too much of Myers and Vancouver getting done at some point.”

Performance and Role

During the past season, Myers ranked third among Canucks defensemen in average ice time (18:57). He also played a crucial role on the penalty kill, logging an average of 2:13 in shorthanded ice time, second only to Ian Cole’s 2:39. His experience and size (standing at 6-foot-8) provide the Canucks with a physical presence on the blue line, an asset that the team values highly.

Fan Perspective and Future Outlook

As a fan, this potential re-signing seems like a smart move for the Canucks. Myers’ desire to stay in Vancouver aligns well with the team’s needs and the value he provides on the ice. The proposed salary of around $3 million per season is reasonable, considering Myers’ contributions and the current market for defensemen. It also offers the Canucks the opportunity to retain a veteran presence while maintaining cap flexibility.

However, it’s crucial that the term of the contract is managed wisely. A 2-3 year deal seems appropriate, ensuring that the Canucks are not burdened with an aging player on a lengthy contract. Myers has shown he can still perform at a high level, but the team must be cautious about committing too long-term to avoid potential performance declines as he ages.

Why Re-Signing Tyler Myers Makes Sense

The expected re-signing of Tyler Myers at a reduced rate is a promising development for the Vancouver Canucks. It reflects a balanced approach to roster management, combining financial prudence with a commitment to retaining key players who contribute positively to the team’s success. Myers’ improved performance under the new coaching staff and his personal ties to the area make this potential deal a win-win for both the player and the organization.

As the Canucks continue to build towards a competitive future, retaining a reliable and experienced defenseman like Myers at a reasonable cost is a step in the right direction. Fans should feel optimistic about this move, which aligns with the broader goal of creating a balanced and effective roster capable of competing at the highest level.

Go Canucks Go!