Buffalo to keep Sabres rookie D Tyler Myers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Sabres rookie Tyler Myers is staying in Buffalo after an impressive nine-game stint.

Under NHL rules, Myers' three-year rookie contract will kick in after his 10th game, and he'll also be able to test free agency a year earlier than most players in his draft class. The Sabres could have sent him back to his junior team in Kelowna.

"He made it pretty easy," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He played real well for us."

The 6-foot-8 defenseman, Buffalo's top pick in the 2008 draft (13th overall), solidified his spot after registering five points while posting a plus-8 rating. He still can get sent to Kelowna because he has a year of junior eligibility left, but cannot go to Buffalo's AHL team in Portland.

"I don't want to get too comfortable," Myers said. "I still want to play at a high intensity. Sometimes if guys get a little comfortable, they slow down a bit, so I want to make sure I keep it going and try to limit those mistakes, just keep improving."

Updated October 29, 2009