Canucks Free Agency Flashback: Myers Or Zadorov?

Canucks Tale of the Tape:

Current: Tyler Myers

Age: Turns 35 next February 1st

Size: 6-foot-8, 230 pounds

Shot: Righty

Image: Still a whipping boy for some fans and media in the press box. Improved in general the last two seasons as the talent around him improved. Penalty killing shot blocker.

Skinny: He’s made some bone-headed plays over the years, some that defy explanation, yet he’s also become more consistent in “old age”. Having more depth around him recently in the D-corps has definitely helped. That “old age” factor is a concern as he’ll turn 38 in the final year of his new deal. Flexibility, mobility, and health?

He had one assist in the playoffs after a five-goal, 29-point regular season. His biggest pros would be intangibles. He’ll be playing for half ($3-million per) of what he was paid in his previous contract and he brings some continuity to an ever-changing dressing room, particularly on the D-side.

Ex Canucks: Nikita Zadorov

Age: Turns 30 next April 16th

Size: 6-foot-6, 248 pounds

Shot: Lefty

Image: A fan favourite with Canucks fans, albeit briefly. And why not. He’s a beast.

Skinny: Dude’s an absolute monster on-ice, and he added to his popularity in the Canucks postseason by potting four goals and adding four assists over 13 games. He’ll be getting paid $5-million per season for the next six by the Boston Bruins or whoever potentially acquires him down the road. He’s significantly younger than Myers, playing in his prime with his confidence at an all-time high.

Keep in mind, the committee to replace Zadorov and Ian Cole includes recent acquisitions and big fellas Derek Forbort (lefty) and Vincent Desharnais (righty), likely partners. Together they account for $3.5-million against the salary cap next season.

In a do-over fantasy world, what would you have done? Let Myers walk and sign Zadorov and one other newbie?

Other than spending more time than Myers IN the penalty box, “Z” had a remarkable ability to get pucks to the net, delivered more effective hits, and had substantially better puck possession analytics, particularly in the postseason when it matters most.

After much deliberation, we would have taken the keep-Zadorov option, ending the Myers era in Vancouver.