Fresh start for Myers, Stafford

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This article was published 13/02/2015 (3926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NASHVILLE — Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford were the walking dead in Buffalo before getting hit with the defibrillator panels Wednesday with word they were moving to Winnipeg.

Just like that, Myers and Stafford went from a lifeless atmosphere and the certainty the playoffs were an impossibility to a place of hope.

Hope for wins, hope for the playoffs and hope for the rejuvenation of careers grown stagnant.

“It’s huge. Earlier in my career in Buffalo we were always in the hunt. Every game is meaningful. Coming in quick and being thrown into the mix and the fire, we just need to focus on playing,” the 29-year-old Stafford said after Thursday’s morning skate prior to the Winnipeg Jets’ game against the Nashville Predators. “There will be some mistakes and some adjustments but bottom line is we’re just here to work with these guys and compete and do our best.”

The Jets traded Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian and prospect Jason Kasdorf Wednesday to the Sabres and in return received Stafford and Myers as well as two prospects and a first- round draft pick.

Power forward Stafford and 6-8 defenceman Myers were immediately injected into the lineup against the Predators.

Stafford has 145 goals and 322 points in 565 NHL games but still expected to have some butterflies Thursday night, lining up with the Jets for the first time.

“I haven’t gone through anything like this but if I can compare it to anything, maybe like getting called up for the first time,” said Stafford, adding he was expecting a trade.

“You don’t want to look too far ahead because it’s my job and my profession to show up and do my best every day and try to help the team win no matter what the circumstance is. I’m also realistic and considering my contract situation and the past where if a guy didn’t re-sign he was usually getting moved.”

Stafford, who will an unrestricted free agent this summer, said he doesn’t necessarily see himself as a rental player and will consider re-signing with the Jets if there is interest.

“I’m open for anything,” he said. “Right now I’m focusing on this next chapter and this challenge.”

Stafford is excited about the next chapter and trying to help the Jets reach the playoffs.

“I was in Buffalo for nine years and I’ve seen a lot. Been on a team that was in first place and I’ve been on a team that was in 30th place. With the change in personnel over the years and with my contract coming up, I knew this was coming but at the same time it’s a welcome change with the way Buffalo has been going the last couple of years. It’s incredible to now be in a playoff race because that’s why everyone plays the game,” he said.

Myers, 25, broke into the NHL by winning the rookie of the year award in 2009-10 with a 48-point season. He followed it up with 37 points before his production fell off.

The last three seasons have been a struggle for him and the entire Sabres organization.

“My agent called me in the morning and said it’s looking like a trade could get done. A few hours later we were on a flight connecting in Atlanta. So there wasn’t really much time to think about it or let it sink in. But I’m glad we got here as fast as we did,” said Myers. “I’m excited. I see the position these guys are in before we came. Playing against them, they play a hard game. To be stepping in and be a part of that now, it’s very exciting as a player.”

Myers said he’d try to keep his mind clear for his first game with the Jets and let adjusting to a new team and system take care of itself.

“Hopefully it doesn’t take too long. Jumping in tonight there’s going to be some things to learn, a new system and figuring out how exactly to work with the guys. It’s going to be a different situation, for sure. I’ve never really gone through anything like this. It’s just adjusting as fast as I can,” he said.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @garylawless