On Thursday for the Twitter Question Of The Day on Top Shelf I asked the listeners if and when Tyler Myers is traded, where will he end up and for what? Since the preseason, multiple reports have linked him to the Detroit Red Wings, a team in dire need of a potential stud right-handed defenseman like the 24-year old Myers. While there seems to be a fit with that need and the fact the Red Wings — should they choose to use them — have the prospects and young roster players the Sabres are looking for as they continue their rebuild, the Red Wings to this point are not ready to give in to what in their eyes is just too exuberant a price for Myers. According to an NHL source, the Anaheim Ducks have also had multiple discussions but they too backed off for now. But while many of the listeners picked the Red Wings as the eventual landing spot for Myers, I asked why not the Dallas Stars?
Myers — who was born in Houston, Texas — could be reunited with his first NHL coach Lindy Ruff and join a team and franchise on the rise. He also wouldn’t have to deal with the pressure of being “the guy” or the media scrutiny that comes with playing for such a prestigious franchise like the Red Wings. The Sabres meanwhile might be able to acquire the bevy of young roster players and prospects they desire because the Stars have them and wouldn’t necessarily have to affect their current roster as much as the Red Wings would. The Sabres also wouldn’t have to send Myers to a division rival.
None of this is coming from any tips from Dallas, Buffalo or NHL sources but based on Stars GM Jim Nill‘s recent moves over the last two seasons in which he acquired Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza, don’t be surprised if he swoops in and gets Myers, who could definitely use a change of scenery. Since his rookie season in 2009-10 when he amassed 48 points and won the Calder Trophy, Myers point production has consistently dropped. Going to an upbeat atmosphere and team on the rise like the Stars would be just what he needs to resurrect his young career.
Young Scouts Have Analytic Eye For Talent
The hockey analytics revolution began a few years back but this past offseason we saw it overtake the NHL with Maple Leafs hiring 28-year old Kyle Dubas, a well-known stat guru in the junior hockey world and the Oilers hiring longtime hockey analytics blogger as part of their hockey operations staff. More teams will do the same and don’t be surprised if you hear young pro scouts Jonathan Bates (Vancouver Canucks) Jason Rowe (San Jose Sharks) and Ryan Bowness (Winnipeg Jets) in the mix for newly created “money puck” positions or management spots. All three are well respected amongst their peers and elders in the business.
Stay Strong Ottawa
First off, condolences, thoughts and prayers to the families of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo as well as all affected by the tragic events in St. Jean Sur Richelieu, Quebec and Ottawa over the past three days. On Thursday, during a segment with Top Shelf regular guest Chris Stevenson, Chris and I discussed how tragic events like this do tend to bring out the good in humanity and how sports can unite affected communities as it did following the 9/11 attacks and after the Boston Marathon bombings in April, 2013. Both Chris and I were there in the aftermath of the Marathon bombings and I was there when the Bruins and Sabres played in the first sporting event and major public gathering after that horrifying experience. As I told Chris, it was one of the most moving events I ever covered and as I spoke of the experience on air Thursday I was fighting back tears. I don’t doubt for one second that the Senators and Devils and all in attendance will repeat this on Saturday when they meet in the first Senators game since their city came under attack. Stay strong Ottawa and God Bless!
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