Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Myers Trade Rumours Continue, 2016 NHL Entry Draft to be in Buffalo

Tyler Myers and the Buffalo Sabres continue to be dogged by rumours that the 6’8, 230 lbs defenseman is being shopped around the league. Again.

Jan 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period during the 2014 Winter Classic hockey game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The TSNreport can be seen in full here.

The Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, and Edmonton Oilers are the front-runners to land Myers, though other teams may emerge if this story drags on.

With 5 years remaining on Myers’ contract for $5.5 mil/year, the young blueliner could actually be a bargain in a couple of seasons if he returns to near his rookie season level of play.

Though Myers’ play has dropped off during the past two seasons, it is interesting to note his unusually bad luck (PDO scores of 0.972 last season, 0.987 two years ago). Just 24 years-old, it’s easy to see why a number of NHL teams might be interested in taking a chance that Myers’ bad luck can’t last.

Still, his Corsi stats are awful, even when compared to his Buffalo Sabres teammates (44.6% last season). Myers needs a change of scenery, a veteran mentor, and probably both if he is to carve out an NHL career that suits his salary.

The Buffalo Sabres Asking Price…

At the draft in June, the always confusing Nick Kypreos claimed that the Buffalo Sabres were asking for a boatload in return for the hulking defenseman:

Trade market prices remained extremely high through #NHL draft. # Sabres ask for Tyler Myers was 3 pièces including a 1st round pick. — Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) June 28, 2014

The price is likely less than this, as Tyler Myers is still playing for the Sabres.

Nov 24, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers (57) looks to knock the puck out of the air during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Realistically, even though defencemen (especially big ones) take a long time to develop, Myers isn’t worth the usual prospect + roster player + first rounder.

At least, not for now.

If Josh Gorges helps to steady Myers’ atrocious defensive zone coverage (look at those plus/minus stats…yikes), or if the scoring returns (108 pts in his first 217 games played) maybe the Sabres’ asking price will make sense.

Buffalo Sabres to Host the 2016 Draft

Though nothing will be official until Monday, the NHL is expected to announce that the NHL Entry Draft will be held at First Niagara Center in Buffalo in 2016.

This is just another coup for Terry Pegula, who hasn’t stopped working hard for the Sabres despite taking over ownership of the Buffalo Bills this week.

The way this Sabres team is built, it’s not crazy to think that the Buffalo Sabres will be the first team walking up to the podium when the draft is in Buffalo in 2016.

What do you think, Sabres fans? Is trading Tyler Myers the way to go? Are you excited to have the draft come to Buffalo in two years?