Myers had a forgettable season in 2016-17, as the 27-year-old only appeared in 11 contests before suffering a lower-body injury that eventually required surgery. Prior to getting hurt, the towering defenseman was off to a strong start, having notched two goals and three helpers out of the gate. If the Texan can steer away from the injury bug this season, he should be able to surpass the 20-point threshold as he did during the 2015-16 campaign. Fantasy owners hoping Myers can put up numbers like he did in his rookie year with Buffalo -- 48 points in 80 games -- will likely be disappointed. However, the 2008 first-round pick should still offer mid-range value that trends upward as the season progresses.
Today's version of Myers pales in comparison to his rookie season, with his most recent campaign having been cut short by knee and hip injuries. Coming into this year, his status is uncertain, but the 26-year-old has underperformed for a long time. Still, the blueliner scored nine times and added 18 assists while maintaining a plus-6 rating and launching 140 shots on goal over 73 games. The aggressive mindset didn’t result in big offense, but the increased involvment does at least offer some promise. If you don't let yourself dream of Myers recapturing his 11-goal, 48-point rookie form, you might not be disappointed with his production as a depth defenseman in fantasy.
After being shipped out of Buffalo in February, Myers quickly became a key contributor from the blue line for the Jets. It quickly became evident that a change of scenery was just what the doctor ordered for the former first-round pick. After posting a meager 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 47 games with the Sabres, Myers tallied 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in just 24 games with the Jets. The big-bodied 6-foot-8 defender has surprisingly never been a foreboding physical presence in the NHL. He is, however, immensely gifted offensively, and that's what we like to see in fantasy. The 25-year-old will likely return to his role as a top-four defender and a member of the Jets’ second power-play unit this season, and could be in line for a breakout campaign if he can stay healthy.
The former Calder Trophy-winner wrapped up arguably his worst season as a pro with 22 points in 62 games and an atrocious minus-26 rating. Myers’ 6-foot-8 frame has always made him a valuable asset, but he has failed to live up to expectations since his rookie season. The Sabres have elected to be patient with the 24-year-old, but Myers’ name has been a staple in the rumor mill since last year. With a new crop of young defensemen coming up the pipeline, Myers’ days with the Sabres could be numbered if his play doesn’t improve. For now, he’ll continue to serve as one of Buffalo’s top defensemen, but that could change on short notice. The Sabres added a few veteran defensemen to lessen the pressure on Myers, which could unlock his potential.
During the lockout Myers played with Klagenfurter AC (Austria) but missed nearly a month with an ankle injury. Once he returned to the States, Myers stumbled his way through a disastrous NHL campaign, posting a career-low eight points in 39 games and finding himself a healthy scratch on a couple of occasions. He’s been trending downward since his 48-point, rookie-of-the-year campaign in 2009-10, and is no longer seen as a franchise cornerstone. However, there’s still potential here, and last year was likely as bad as it’s going to get for the 6-foot-8 defender. Playing a full season should allow Myers to have a rebound year, playing a more solid all-around game and posting 25-30 points.
Myers ended an injury-plagued, 23-point season with a broken foot that kept him sidelined for the final few games, but should be fully recovered in time for training camp. He hasn't been able to replicate the success of his 11-goal, 48-point rookie season in '09-10, and his power-play production may continue to take a hit due to the presence of Christian Ehrhoff. However, Myers certainly has a full toolbox and should creep closer to the 40-point barrier with a clean bill of health in '12-13. He'll turn 23 in February and those in keeper leagues should bump him up a few spots. Don't be scared off by his last two seasons, but don't forget about his potential either.
Myers' offensive numbers dipped in 2010-11, thanks largely to a brutally slow start to the season. The young defenseman turned things around right before Christmas and began to resemble the Calder Trophy winning d-man from his rookie campaign in 2009-10. With Christian Ehrhoff and Robyn Regehr now in the fold on the blue line for the Sabres, Myers should at least be expected to return to his rookie form, and it's a good bet that he will take a giant leap forward in 2011-12.
All Myers did in his rookie season was lead all rookie defensemen in points (48), goals (11), and assists (37) on his way to the Calder Trophy as the league's best rookie. With the departures of Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder from Buffalo's blue line, Myers will get even more time on the ice, especially with the man advantage. Add all that to his plus-13 and it makes him a top-10 fantasy defenseman.
This 6-8 first round pick from the 2008 Entry Draft had an impressive season in his first year in junior play with 42 points in 58 games. Along with his scoring ability, Myers brings a level of physicality that the Sabres could use in their defensive line. But at only 19-years-old, it is yet to be seen whether he can provide the amount of maturity and experience needed for the NHL. Myers will be tested early in the season to see if he is ready for the move or if he needs another season of development in the juniors.
Myers is a very tall defenseman with excellent reach and skating ability. He has all of the physical tools to succeed, but he is still relatively new to the position, having picked it up three years ago. He will spend 2008-09 in juniors to acquire some of the finer points of the game. Myers could challenge for an NHL roster spot next year or, more likely, in 2010-11.
