Hold onto your hats, hockey fans, because the NHL trade landscape just got a whole lot more intriguing! The Vancouver Canucks have officially traded veteran defenseman Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars, marking the end of a trade saga that had many wondering where the seasoned player would land. But here's where it gets controversial: the Canucks are retaining 50% of Myers’ $3 million cap hit through next season, a move that’s sure to spark debate among fans and analysts alike. Is this a smart financial play or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
According to TSN Hockey Insiders Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun, the Canucks are receiving a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2029 in exchange for Myers. This deal comes after the Canucks first scratched Myers from their lineup last Wednesday for roster management reasons, following a request for him to consider a trade to the Detroit Red Wings—a move he ultimately didn’t make. And this is the part most people miss: Myers, a Houston native with a full no-move clause, had significant control over his destiny in trade talks, which likely influenced the final terms.
Myers, 36, has played 57 games for the Canucks this season, tallying one goal and seven assists. He’s in the final year of a three-year deal signed in 2019, marking his seventh season with Vancouver. For the Stars, adding Myers brings a wealth of experience to their defensive lineup, though questions remain about his role and impact given his age and recent performance. Meanwhile, the Canucks, who are expected to continue selling off players ahead of the trade deadline, now have only one salary retention spot left after retaining Ilya Mikheyev’s contract in a 2024 trade to the Chicago Blackhawks.
But here’s the real question: Is retaining half of Myers’ salary a wise move for the Canucks, or are they spreading themselves too thin? With limited retention spots available, every decision counts. Could this strategy backfire if they need to retain salary for a bigger trade down the line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one trade that’s sure to keep the hockey world talking!
