Associated Press
June 20, 2008 11:04 pm
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The Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Tyler Myers with their first pick in the NHL Entry Draft Friday night.
Myers, 18, stands 6-7 and was the tallest North American skater rated by the NHL’s Central Scouting department. He was ranked fourth in that group. The Sabres were able to address their need for a tall, physical defenseman, and did so with a player rated much higher than his eventual draft position.
Buffalo acquired the pick, the 12th overall, from Los Angeles just as the Kings were on the clock. The Sabres traded their original pick, the 13th overall, and a third-round choice in 2009 to move up one position.
Myers scored six goals and had 19 points along with 97 penalty minutes with Kelowna of the Western Hockey League. He also had two goals and 15 points with 78 penalty minutes in 2006-07 with the Rockets. He was born in Houston, Texas, but moved to Canada when he was 10. He lists Dewinton, Alberta, as his hometown.
Because of his height, Myers has been compared to 6-9 Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins.
Buffalo had indicated its desire to move up prior to the draft. Four of the top 12 positions changed hands, all of them after the draft had begun.
The 12th overall selection was the highest by the Sabres since they tabbed Thomas Vanek with the fifth pick in 2003.
Buffalo also has the 26th overall selection in the first round.
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