Frank Seravalli: Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs Not Ready to Give Up on Defenseman
NHL Insider Frank Seravalli reported that GM Brad Treliving doesn't want to waive Philippe Myers and risk losing him, as Toronto is very positive on the defenseman.
When Toronto signed Philippe Myers to a 1-year, $775,000 deal this summer and while it wasn't the flashiest signing, it added another insurance piece to Toronto's growing defensive corps. Playing 159 games in his career, including only one this year, Myers is still looking for his chance to break out.
The Maple Leafs are certainly hoping the same thing. The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported that Toronto was very excited about Myers' potential, and wanna keep him around for the future:
"They think with his size that they're on the cusp of figuring something out to be a quiet, stay at home defenceman and a cheap option for them in their bottom pair. They're not ready to give up on him.»
It would be hard to give up on a 6'5, 219-pound defenseman, especially if your name is Brad Treliving and you employ Craig Berube as your head coach. Both men stress the need for big-bodied, gritty players and Myers fits the bill to a tee.
Myers was originally undrafted and signed a free agent deal with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015, and played in 115 games with the team before being traded alongside former #2 overall pick Nolan Patrick for Ryan Ellis.
He spent two years in Tampa Bay after leaving Nashville, but also spent time with the Toronto Marlies after being loaned to the team as part of the Kevin Biega trade, so it's clear Toronto has had an eye on him somewhat for years.
Unfortunately, he has been beset by numerous injuries in his career, but if he can stay healthy then there is a chance he could be a solid third-pairing partner for someone who can handle his defensive mistakes at times.
Toronto does need roster space, and cutting Matt Benning seems more likely than Myers given the admiration they have for the defenseman, and it would provide Toronto more cap relief which they are in desperate need of.
It would be great to see Philippe Myers as a full-time Maple Leaf, however, it may be a bit before he gets the chance. He can breathe a little easier though, knowing his GM admires his game, and keeping him around until there's a right spot to put Myers in.
