The Dallas Stars have acquired veteran defenseman Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in 2029, as announced by both teams on Wednesday. The move provides the Stars with a seasoned blueliner as they push towards the playoffs, whereas the Canucks continue to stockpile draft assets as part of their ongoing rebuild.
Myers, 36, has been a fixture in the NHL for 17 seasons, amassing 1,123 regular-season games with the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and Vancouver Canucks. This season, he recorded eight points (one goal and seven assists) in 57 games for Vancouver, averaging 20:13 of ice time per game – the fourth-highest on the team. The trade brings an end to Myers’ seven-year tenure with the Canucks, where he became a reliable, if sometimes unpredictable, presence on the blue line.
Vancouver will retain 50 percent of Myers’ $3 million salary cap hit for both the remainder of the 2025-26 season and the 2026-27 season, reducing his cap hit to $1.5 million for Dallas. Crucially, Myers waived his full no-movement clause to facilitate the trade to Dallas, though that clause will convert to a 12-team modified no-trade clause for the 2026-27 campaign, according to reports. The Athletic notes this flexibility was a key component of the deal.
The Stars, currently contending for a playoff spot, are adding a sizable presence to their defensive corps. At 6-foot-8 and 229 pounds, Myers brings considerable size and experience. According to the Dallas Stars, General Manager Jim Nill believes Myers’ ability to play on the right side will add flexibility to the blueline.
Canucks Focus on Future Assets
For the Canucks, the trade represents a continuation of their strategy to acquire draft picks and rebuild for the future. Vancouver has been actively shedding veteran players in exchange for draft capital, and the return of a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2029 for Myers is a positive outcome, particularly given his age and contract status. The Canucks now own seven picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 and 2027 NHL Drafts, positioning them well to add high-potential players to their organization.
The Canucks initially dealt their own 2027 second-round pick to acquire Ilya Mikheyev in 2024, but have now recouped a second-round pick in that draft, owning selections from both San Jose and Dallas. This demonstrates a shrewd ability by Canucks management to navigate a complex trade market and maximize value, especially considering the week-long negotiations involving multiple teams, including at least one from the Eastern Conference.
What Myers Brings to Dallas
Despite his age, Myers remains a capable defenseman. He excels at using his size and reach to disrupt opposing forwards and deny zone entries. His offensive contributions, while not his primary strength, are also noteworthy, having amassed 403 points (100 goals and 303 assists) over his NHL career. Sporting News highlights his ability to surf the blue line and create counterattacking opportunities.
However, maximizing Myers’ impact will require careful deployment. He is most effective when not overly burdened with puck-handling responsibilities in the defensive zone, where his decision-making can be inconsistent. The Stars will likely utilize him in a role that emphasizes his strengths – his size, reach, and ability to defend – while minimizing his weaknesses.
The Canucks acknowledged Myers’ contributions to the organization, stating, “We would like to thank Tyler for all that he has done for the Canucks organization both on and off the ice,” according to a statement released by Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin. They also expressed appreciation for his willingness to work with the team to facilitate the trade.
Looking ahead, the Stars will integrate Myers into their lineup as they prepare for a playoff push. The Canucks, meanwhile, will continue to focus on building for the future through the draft and development of their young players. The success of this trade will ultimately be measured by how effectively both teams leverage their novel assets to achieve their respective goals.
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