Former Rockets on the move during free agent frenzy
A pair of former Kelowna Rockets defenceman switched jerseys on the opening day of the NHL’s free agency. Tyler Myers is on the move from the Winnipeg Jets to the Vancouver Canucks, while Luke Schenn departed the Canucks to join the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced that the club has signed Myers to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $6 million.
“Tyler is a proven competitor and an important addition to our roster,” said Benning in a release issued by the team. “His experience, character, and size are qualities that will help our team. We are excited to have Tyler and his family join our team.”
Myers, 29, led all Winnipeg Jets defencemen in goals (9) and tied for second among defenceman in points (31) during this past season. The 6-8, 229-pound defenceman has amassed 265 points (74-191-265) in 635 regular season games split between the Jets and the Buffalo Sabres.
He was selected by Buffalo 12th overall at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He lead Buffalo defencemen in goals (11), assists (37), points (48) and blocks (133) during his Calder-winning debut NHL season in 2009-2010.
Myers played 191 games for the Rockets highlighted by WHL Playoff MVP honours and a WHL championship in 2009.
OFFICIAL: #Canucks sign defenceman Tyler Myers to a five-year contract. https://t.co/cfKoRxv94U
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 1, 2019
Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois announced the Lightning have signed free agent defenseman Luke Schenn to a one-year contract worth $700,000.
Schenn, 6-foot-2, 221 pounds, suited with the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks during the 2018-19 season.
He has played in 734 career NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, Ducks and Canucks, recording 30 goals, 145 points.
Schenn, 29, was drafted by Toronto in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2008 NHL Draft. Prior to his professional career, he played in 189 games with the Rockets.
We have signed Luke Schenn to a one-year contract worth $700,000.
📝: https://t.co/6hrTceve5S pic.twitter.com/gRpoaYeMef
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2019
