October 18, 2009

David Burstyn
McKeen's Hockey Prospects Staff

When Tyler Myers stepped onto the ice, he officially set a franchise history as being the tallest Sabre to ever lace them up for Buffalo. After a successful year in junior last year including a trip to the Memorial Cup and a gold medal win at the WJC, Myers is hoping he can outlast his 10 game audition and stick in the NHL. The door is wide open for Myers to make an impression as the Sabres lack defensive depth and the insertion of Myers into the lineup thus far has added an element of offence and has given the backend presence with his imposing size.

McKeen's Director of scouting David Burstyn had a chance to catch up to Myers and ask him about his season to date and also adds a scouting report.

Making history and hopefully the club

McKeen's: Quite a rapid ascension from where we were at this point last year, a little more hardware, more exposure to playing in big games, care to talk about that?

Myers: It seems like just yesterday that I was up on stage getting drafted by the Sabres. Last year went by so fast and to be able to play in a gold medal game and the Memorial Cup was certainly rewarding. I am fortunate to be here right now and am hoping this is my final destination for a while.

McKeen's: Have you sent a postcard to Luke Schenn for basically opening the door for you and letting you develop in Kelowna?

Myers: (laughs) We still keep in touch and he had a great year in Toronto. I am sure we will be seeing each other throughout the year, well at least the first 10 games here.

McKeen's: Has Luke shared any of his experiences with you from your conversations in the off-season?

Myers: We talked a bit last year when he was going through his rookie season with the Leafs, he told me several things that I need to focus on and thus far he has been a big help. I am sure he will have a long fruitful career.

McKeen's: There is always that possibility that you could get sent down to junior. Clearly your focus is staying here. How do you keep your eye on the prize?

Myers: I am just taking it day-by-day. I am eager to learn and take in as much from this experience. Regardless, whatever they decide for me I am positive it will be the right choice for my overall development and I will accept that when the time comes.

McKeen's: Rather ironic that the knock on you heading into your draft year was your offensive game, yet here you are two games into your NHL career and are already seeing multiple PP shifts.

Myers: Last year with Kelowna I started to figure it out a little bit more and expanded my offensive game. I felt that I improved considerably in that facet of my game. I am just trying to take that experience into Buffalo and am grateful for being put into positions to succeed.

McKeen's: The off-season - how did you approach it? Did you focus on improving any particular area of your body?

Myers: I managed to gain 8-10 pounds. I came into camp not trying to play outside my limits. Primarily focussing on the defensive zone and I think my extra weight and upper body strength helped me with battles down low and along the glass.

McKeen's: Playing with Tallinder has certainly made the adjustment more calming. I am sure he has helped you out and shared with you the tendencies of some forwards considering his length of time in the NHL.

Myers: He has been a tremendous help. He has constantly communicated to me where I need to be in certain situations. He is always in good defensive position so it has allowed me to jump into the rush on occasion because I know he will be back. All the guys have been really supportive and have all made me feel welcome.

McKeen's: Has there been much communication with coach Ruff and what his expectations are for you?

Myers: Not too much. We go over game tape of previous games and they tutor me as what to do differently in certain positions and what I can improve upon. As far as whether or not I am going to stay that has not been discussed with me.

Scouting Report
Myers joins the Sabres as the tallest player on the roster and second only to Chara (6-foot-9) in the entire league .. size and wingspan are certainly strengths that he takes advantage of in defensive situations but also offensive ones .. he readily jumps into the air to swat down passes in the offensive zone and eagerly uses his stick to poke check the puck away from the opposition .. his athleticism and coordination are remarkable for a player of his size .. his pivots and escapibility in down low situations certainly exhibit this .. able to reach top levels of speed (does not appear to have a separation gear) due to a lengthy stride that swallows up the ice .. he protects the puck very well due to his mammoth frame and it masks his lack of top-end speed .. his puck decisions are improving but he still appears a tad unsure but is not short of confidence .. made adjustments throughout the game, opting to vault up the ice rather than rely on the d-to-d pass as he did early in the contest .. able to think on the fly and make good decisions, he did show a penchant to pinch aggressively and underestimated the pace of the game at times .. to his credit, he did not repeat the same mistakes .. plays a mature game but still needs to keep his head up more when logging the puck up ice .... very strong along the boards and can converge on loose pucks along the glass, pushing aside two skaters and retrieve the puck thanks to his size and intelligent positioning .. getting plenty of opportunity to showcase his overall game in all situations, including even strength and both special teams .. Myers audition will not be a 10-game stint, rather a year long one, as his play to this point and recent Sabre backend injuries (Sekera) have warranted his name plate to remain in the dressing room.