By John Vogl

Tyler Myers is one of the hottest prospects in junior hockey. He's also one step closer to the NHL.

Myers, the Buffalo Sabres' top pick in the 2008 draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the team today. The 6-foot-8 defenseman was taken 12th overall.

Myers, a smooth-skating 19-year-old, capped a great week with the deal. The Houston native and Calgary resident was named Most Valuable Player of the Western Hockey League playoffs Saturday for putting up five goals and 20 points in 22 games. Myers led his Kelowna Rockets to the WHL title over the Calgary Hitmen and put them in the Memorial Cup.

He had nine goals and 33 assists in 58 regular-season games for the Rockets this season.

"Tyler is having an outstanding year," Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said in a statement. "He is a big, strong player who has excellent hockey skills for a 19-year-old player. We're glad to have him signed and look forward to his continued development both on and off the ice."

Myers has one more season of junior eligibility. The signing means he will spend next season in Buffalo or Kelowna. He can play 10 games with the Sabres, who can then decide if he should go back to juniors for more development. He is not eligible to play in the American Hockey League.

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