The Detroit Red Wings have until this Friday to bring in some outside help to them secure playoff spot, and hopefully, a deep Stanley Cup run. Reports indicated that General Manager Steve Yzerman was looking to add a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman, both of whom would have term remaining on their contract.
Last week, it was reported by TSN's Darren Dreger that the Red Wings had made a trade offer to the Vancouver Canucks for right-shot defenseman Tyler Myers. But, Myers had a 12-team no-trade list, and had to accept a deal to Detroit. Since that report dropped last Thursday, there has been no announcement of a trade being finalized.
During his latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said that Myers has still yet to make up his mind on whether he'd accept a trade to Detroit. Friedman also pondered if Yzerman would opt against waiting and pivot to another defenseman.
Elliotte Friedman ponders whether Steve Yzerman could pivot off of Tyler Myers with trade in limbo
"I think everybody was hoping we would know by Monday morning after this podcast comes out. I think a lot of the say has to do with how long is Detroit willing to hold the offer? And at this point in time, I don't have that answer," said Friedman. "Steve Yzerman, not exactly volunteering it to me."
The Athletic's NHL insider Chris Johnston also touched on the Red Wings and Myers. Johnston said that while the Red Wings put forward an offer that the Canucks likes, Myers "seems inclined to find out if there will be other options available to him." Additionally, in terms of what the Canucks would want for Myers, Johnston says it's likely to start with a second-round pick.
There has to be a sense of urgency from the Red Wings, as the clock is ticking for them to find a right-handed defenseman before 3:00 p.m. ET this Friday. If they continue holding out hope that Myers will approve the trade, they could lose out on other targets.
Myers is in the midst of a three-year, $9 million contract with the Canucks, which will run out after the 2026-27 season. So, it is a pretty affordable deal for any team acquiring him. This season, Myers has one goal and seven assists through 57 games. He does have an ghastly -25 plus/minus ratio, which is far from great. But he's a huge player who can shut down opponents. Who knows, maybe he'll thrive in a better situation than in Vancouver, which is currently in last place in the entire NHL by a wide margin.
For Detroit, they have the right side of their top defensive pairing set with Moritz Seider, so it's not as though they are relying on Myers to take on that kind of responsibility. But the Red Wings could use some extra help on the right side. But by waiting on Myers, they could lose out on some other right shot defensemen who have term remaining on their contracts, such as Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues or Rasumus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The clock is ticking, and if Myers is taking his time, Yzerman better have fallback plans.