The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced the three-game suspension of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers for his cross-checking incident involving Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard during Saturday's game. This decision by the NHL Department of Player Safety marks yet another chapter in Myers' long career, which has seen multiple disciplinary actions.
The notorious incident occurred late in the third period of the game held on January 18, 2023. Myers, standing at 6-foot-8, was engaged with the 6-foot-3 Bouchard as the game reached its heated conclusion. An altercation between Oilers captain Connor McDavid and another Canucks player, Conor Garland, escalated the tension, leading to multiple penalties. Amid the chaos, Myers was assessed both for slashing and for his later cross-checking of Bouchard.
Myers described the moment as being fueled by adrenaline, explaining, "Things were getting heated there at the end, and I’m not ignorant to the fact of how it looked in real time." He clarified his intention, asserting, "I never intended to hit him in the face. I've never cross-checked anyone in the face in my whole career." His perspective, delivered post-game, emphasized the unexpected nature of the incident. "If you slow it down, I start lower and as he brought his hands up, it kind of redirected my stick up," Myers recounted.
This suspension marks the third time Myers has faced disciplinary measures during his extensive 15-year career, which includes prior suspensions for similar penalties. Previously, he was suspended for three games during his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres for boarding, as well as for another three-game suspension due to a high hit on Dainius Zubrus of the New Jersey Devils. The only discipline received as part of the Canucks was a fine of $5,000 last season for elbowing Columbus Blue Jackets player Sean Kuraly.
The recent matchup against the Oilers ended with the Canucks narrowly on top, winning 3-2, right before they were set to face the Buffalo Sabres. Even with the victory, Myers highlighted the pressing need for his team to exhibit consistency, stating, "When we take a look at the way we were last game, the way we were in the dressing room last game, that's the level we want to get to more consistently." He underscored the Canucks' struggle to maintain their performance level, particularly following losses prior to the victory.
With the suspension, Myers joins McDavid, who also received the same three-game ban following the game’s conclusion due to their involvement in the altercation. For Tyler Myers, the suspension means he will sit out until the Canucks' matchup against the St. Louis Blues on January 30. Notably, the suspension also entails the forfeiture of $46,875 from Myers’ salary, which will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, as announced by the league.
The Canucks, now dealing not only with the absence of Myers but also speculation of trading star forward J.T. Miller, are facing challenges both on and off the ice. Myers expressed solidarity with his teammates during this turbulent period, saying, "For us it's what happens in this room right here. We're not too worried about what's being talked about or what may or may not happen. We gotta come together as a group and bring the level we did last game." His commitment touches on the resilience hoped for by the Canucks as they navigate through their season's ebbs and flows.
This incident serves as yet another reminder of the high-stakes and high-pressure environment within the NHL, especially during intense matchups among divisional rivals. With Myers sidelined, the Canucks will need to adapt quickly to maintain their momentum and find stability as they look forward to their next game.