Brad Treliving and Maple Leafs Defenseman Closing In On Contract Extension, Per Insider
Although he hasn't played much this season, Philippe Myers has impressed the Maple Leafs enough that there are talks about extending the towering blueliner's deal.
Signed as a free agent at the beginning of the season, Myers has seen some extended playing time as of late, and while he hasn't been the best defenseman by far, he's made a decent showing in his short time with the team.
So it's no surprise that not only is the team high on him and were excited they could acquire him earlier, but he's impressed enough that according to NHL Insider Kevin Weekes; he's close to signing a deal to keep him in town.
Philippe Myers' Slow Burn Into A Solid NHL Defenseman
It's hard to think an NHL that has seven years of experience with several teams would already be considered broken out, but for Myers that's not the case. His highest amount of games played in a season is 50, and he only needs three games to eclipse last season.
Being 6'5 and 219 pounds certainly helps his case, as the new management team in Toronto is hellbent on adding the biggest bodies possible and bring an intimidation factor that is just as crucial as on-ice production.
He has two assists and is a plus-1 in nine games, but has eight blocks and 26 hits already. Showcasing more of a defensive edge, Myers has started to utilize his frame both to level opponents and create havoc with his length. Tasked with keeping Morgan Rielly in check, Myers has done a decent job so far.
It would not be the worst option in the world to extend him either, as right now he's making $775,000 and could find himself with a two-year deal worth roughly $1.7-2M. Still only 27 years old, he's just reaching his prime and Toronto could get a lot of value from such a cheap contract.
If Myers can keep up his play as of late, it will help Brad Treliving a bit as he searches for which pieces to best add to his team. Given how much Toronto needs to improve on, if he can at least take one problem away it makes those pieces easier to go after.
Though his free agent signing didn't send too many waves at first, it seems like the more the season passes, the more the deal seems like a steal. The Toronto Maple Leafs should look to keep Philippe Myers around, and given how he's played it looks like that's going to happen sooner rather than later.
