2023-24 Vancouver Canucks Player Review: Tyler Myers
A deep dive into the 2023-24 season of Vancouver Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers.
Photo by Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports - 2023-24 Vancouver Canucks Player Review: Tyler MyersWelcome to the 2023-24 Vancouver Canucks player review series. Over the summer, we will be taking a look at Canucks players performances from the 2023-24 season. Today's player is Tyler Myers, who had five goals and 29 points in 77 games.
Last season was easily Myers' best in Vancouver. His 29 points were the most he has had in a season since joining the Canucks while it was just the second time in the last five years he recorded 100+ blocks and hits. While there was still a little bit of chaos in his game, Myers was able to be productive at both ends of the ice, which nabbed him a three-year extension this past summer.
A few things stand out when looking at Myers' analytics and statistics. The first is that he recorded his lowest even-strength goals against of his career in a season in which he played over 60 games. At the same time, his xG% was 53.68, which was the highest in a season he played at least 25 games in. Lastly, his shots against per 60 of 28.18 were the second lowest of his career in a season he played over 25 games, coming in just behind his 2010/11 season with the Buffalo Sabres. From a defensive perspective, Myers thrived in Rick Tocchet's system, showing that he can play a matchup role on a consistent basis.
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Giveaways have been an issue for Myers throughout his career in Vancouver, but not so much last season. He only recorded 33, which, at 1.36 giveaways per 60, was the lowest rate of his career. Myers then followed up a solid regular season in the playoffs, only recording four or 1.03 per 60 throughout the 13 games. These subtle improvements are just some of the reasons Myers was finally able to succeed with the Canucks and a good indicator that there will not be a significant drop in his overall play next season.
While Myers' regular season was impressive, his work against the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs deserves recognition. In 75:30 of ice time against McDavid, Vancouver only allowed six goals, while in 50:57 against Leon Draisatil, the Canucks outscored the Oilers 5-1. In fact, in the 116:43 of even-strength ice time Myers played against the Oilers, the teams were tied in goals, while Vancouver was able to limit Edmonton to just 19 high-danger chances. Ultimately, Myers played a massive role for the Canucks throughout the postseason, with his play having a direct impact on Vancouver's ability to force their second-round series to seven games.
Myers is the perfect example of how a coaching change can influence a player's success. Over the course of a season, the conversation around Myers went from whether he should be traded to the team needing to re-sign him. While Tocchet deserves a lot of credit for Myers' season, so does assistant coach Adam Foote, who clearly had a significant impact on the giant defender. Set to play his 1000th game early in the year, Myers is once again expected to play a substantial role for the Canucks in 2024-25.
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