In a move that could help solidify their defensive depth for the next two seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Philippe Myers to a two-year contract extension. The extension, which will see Myers remain in Toronto through the 2025-2026 season, comes at a critical time for the Leafs as they continue to balance their roster to both contend for a Stanley Cup and manage their salary cap constraints. The deal, reportedly worth between $1.5 million and $2 million per season, provides Toronto with a cost-effective option who brings size, mobility, and physicality to their defensive group.
Myers’ signing is an important piece of the puzzle for the Leafs, a team that has been searching for a more well-rounded defense corps to complement their high-powered offensive unit. The addition of Myers, who brings an imposing 6’5″ frame and the potential to be a shutdown presence on the back end, is an investment in the team’s overall defensive structure. But what exactly does this extension mean for the Leafs, and how does Myers fit into the team’s plans for the future?
A Brief History of Philippe Myers
Philippe Myers, 26, was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round (170th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft. A product of the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Myers developed into a well-rounded defenseman known for his size and skating ability. At 6’5″ and 210 pounds, Myers is an imposing physical presence, and his skating ability is often lauded as one of his strongest assets for a player of his stature.
Myers made his NHL debut with the Flyers during the 2017-2018 season but spent much of his early years in the AHL before becoming a full-time NHLer in 2019. In Philadelphia, Myers showed promise as a two-way defender, using his reach and skating ability to break up plays in his own zone while occasionally contributing offensively. In 2021, he was traded to the Nashville Predators in a deal that sent Ryan Ellis to Philadelphia, and while Myers’ time with the Predators was short-lived, he continued to showcase his potential as a physical, reliable blueliner.
However, Myers was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the summer of 2022, as part of a move to provide more depth on defense. His performance during his first season in Toronto was steady but not spectacular. Myers proved to be a valuable depth piece, earning time in the bottom pair while the Leafs tried to build a more balanced defensive unit. His size and physicality were assets, but his game still had room for improvement, particularly in terms of consistency and puck decision-making.
What Myers Brings to the Leafs
When the Maple Leafs signed Philippe Myers in 2022, they were looking for more than just a stopgap solution. They needed a player who could add size and toughness to their defense while providing reliable minutes in a bottom-pairing role. Myers possesses several attributes that fill this need.
First and foremost, Myers’ size and physicality make him a tough presence in front of the net and along the boards. At 6’5″, Myers is difficult to move off the puck, and his long reach allows him to break up plays and disrupt passing lanes with relative ease. For a team like Toronto, which has often been criticized for lacking physicality and grit, Myers adds a much-needed element of toughness that can wear down opponents over a full season.
In addition to his physicality, Myers is a strong skater for his size. His skating allows him to keep up with the pace of the game and effectively transition the puck out of the defensive zone. His skating ability also enables him to contribute to the rush, helping to create offensive chances when necessary. While he is not an offensive dynamo, Myers has the ability to make smart, simple passes and is capable of contributing to the Leafs’ transition game, particularly when paired with a more offensively-minded defenseman.
Perhaps one of Myers’ most notable qualities is his ability to play a shutdown role. His defensive instincts and ability to read the play make him a strong asset against opposing top-six forwards. He’s not a player who will dominate the score sheet, but he’s the type of defenseman who excels in a shut-down, physical role—especially when matched against the other team’s top players. His ability to take on tougher assignments, such as defending against the opponent’s best forwards, fits well with Toronto’s defensive structure, where the team has often lacked a true physical presence to complement their skill-based players.
The Leafs’ Defense: Needs and Improvements
The Toronto Maple Leafs have long been a team built around offensive firepower. With superstars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares, Toronto has one of the most potent forward groups in the NHL. However, the team has struggled at times to build a defense corps that matches the same level of quality. While players like Morgan Rielly and TJ Brodie have been key figures on the blue line, the Leafs have often lacked the kind of depth, size, and physicality that teams need to compete in the playoffs, where matchups and defensive play become even more crucial.
In the past few seasons, the Leafs have made various efforts to address these weaknesses. The signing of John Klingberg in the summer of 2023, for example, is aimed at adding more mobility and puck-moving ability to the back end. However, Toronto still needed a player like Myers—someone who could bring physicality and the ability to shut down plays in their own zone. Myers’ signing serves as a complement to the skilled players on the Leafs’ blue line, such as Rielly and Brodie, while also providing a counterbalance to the more offensive-minded defensemen like Klingberg.
In short, the signing of Myers signals that Toronto’s front office is serious about improving the balance of their defensive group. The Leafs’ blue line has been a weak point for several years, but with the addition of players like Klingberg, Myers, and the continued development of other prospects, they are hoping to build a more well-rounded defensive unit that can compete at the highest level.
Myers’ Role Moving Forward
So, where does Philippe Myers fit into Toronto’s long-term plans? The most likely scenario is that Myers will continue to play a bottom-four role on the Leafs’ defense, where his size and shutdown ability will be most effective. With players like Rielly, Brodie, and Klingberg expected to log more minutes in the top pair, Myers will likely be tasked with facing opposing teams’ second or third lines. In these situations, his physicality and defensive awareness will be valuable assets.
The next two seasons will be critical for Myers to establish himself as a reliable NHL defender and to further develop his game. If he can continue to improve his decision-making with the puck and build more consistency in his play, he could see increased minutes or even a chance to move up to the second pairing, especially if injuries or other circumstances arise. Additionally, if Myers exceeds expectations, he could become a core part of the Leafs’ blue line for years to come, earning a longer-term contract extension.
Cap Flexibility and Financial Considerations
From a financial perspective, the two-year contract extension is a win for the Maple Leafs. With their salary cap already stretched thin due to the large contracts of their star forwards, Myers’ relatively modest cap hit makes him an affordable option for the Leafs. In fact, Myers’ extension is a smart way for the Leafs to shore up their defense without further hampering their ability to sign other key players.
This cap flexibility will be important as the Leafs look to make moves in the future, whether through trades or free-agent signings, as they continue to try and balance the roster to compete for a Stanley Cup. Myers’ affordable contract gives the Leafs some breathing room to focus on other areas of the team, such as depth scoring and goaltending, while still strengthening their defensive corps.
Conclusion: A Smart Move for the Leafs
Philippe Myers’ two-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs is a smart, cost-effective move that addresses several key needs for the team. His size, physicality, and shutdown ability give the Leafs a more well-rounded defense corps, while his affordable cap hit ensures that Toronto can continue to manage their finances in a way that allows them to remain competitive.
As the Leafs continue to build a team capable of challenging for the Stanley Cup, the addition of players like Myers will be crucial in achieving that goal. If he continues to develop and perform at a high level, he could become an important piece of Toronto’s defensive puzzle, contributing to both the team’s short-term success and long-term stability. For the Maple Leafs, this signing represents a step toward building a more balanced and competitive roster in pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize
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