'Being In This Position Takes A Little Bit Of Maturity': Maple Leafs' Philippe Myers Enjoying Playing Time With Marlies Amid Run Of Healthy Scratches In NHL
Before Saturday, Myers had only played one game this season, a 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins on Oct. 26.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Philippe Myers is happy to get into games, wherever needed.
The 27-year-old was sent to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on a conditioning loan Saturday morning after having not played since the Maple Leafs' 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on Oct. 26.
It worked out perfectly given the Marlies had a matinee game inside Scotiabank Arena that afternoon. Toronto lost to the Belleville Senators 4-3 in a 12-round shootout.
Myers was on the Marlies' second defense pairing alongside Marshall Rifai and was delighted to be getting game action.
"Trying to get my feet under me there and get the timing back," Myers said on Saturday when asked how he felt in the game. "But, as the game went on, I think I felt a little bit more comfortable and it was good to get some touches in and get my feet moving a little bit."
The defenseman has only played one game with the Maple Leafs this season, getting 12:11 of ice time against the Bruins.
"I thought it went okay. It went pretty well for the most part and I hadn't played in three weeks, but it was good to get a game in," he said.
"I was happy to be out there. It's an honor to wear the Maple Leaf, so I think you just gotta be ready whenever your name gets called."
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Myers is quite familiar with this position as he's been a depth player with other teams.
He played five NHL games last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning; one in November and the other four in January. Myers spent the rest of the year with the Syracuse Crunch, playing 61 games and scoring 23 points (four goals, 19 assists).
Myers signed a one-year, $775,000 deal with the Maple Leafs on July 2.
Moving up and down between leagues takes some getting used to, for anyone. Myers has done his fair share of it and has learned how to deal with the constant shifting.
"Honestly, I think it's just being in this position takes a little bit of maturity. Over the years, I've been around just staying positive and kind of hyping the boys up and working my bag off in practice and I think that's all you can do. Kind of practicing like you play and having that mentality," Myers said.
"It's been a grind and I've been positive and been working hard, so it was good to get some touches in and get my game going a little bit. They just told me to come down here, play some games, so that I'll be more ready when I do get in."