Toronto Maple Leafs: It’s Time to Move Zach Hyman
By Cary Byron
No, I’m not suggesting that the Toronto Maple Leafs should trade Zach Hyman. “Pump the brakes” – Justin Williams.
There’s no question Hyman’s presence in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup is valuable. Coming off a great game two in Washington, he was arguably one of the better Leaf forwards that night.
Hyman brings grit and energy every shift and has time and time again shown himself to be one of the better forechecking forwards on this young Leafs squad.
But, it’s time for a minor shakeup.
Analysis
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Auston Matthews and William Nylander have proven to be very dynamic and offensive talents in the NHL.
However, they need more from their other linemate.
Hyman is the kind of guy you would love to have on your team, ideally lower down in the lineup. He’s a bottom-six forward who plays with heart and is a valuable asset on the penalty kill, but when you have the skills that Matthews and Nylander possess, you need someone who can keep pace with them.
Unfortunately, Hyman has struggled offensively this season, and it’s hard to imagine only potting 10 goals (four shorthanded) when you’re in the lineup alongside those two young guns.
That’s six even strength goals all year on that line.
Six.
Again, he’s a guy you’d love to have on your team and one that winning teams need. I’ve always loved those hardworking guys on my team that empties the tank every shift, but it’s time to juggle him around in the lineup.
When you have skilled guys creating that much offense, it’s demoralizing when the chances they continue to create get broken up or aren’t capitalized on.
How About Hyman out and Kasperi Kapanen In?
Check this out.
Kapanen was the main piece coming back to the Leafs in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s come up big for the Leafs in the past few weeks.
Remember the important game-tying goal against the Penguins in the playoff clinching game? How about the double overtime winner in Washington?
Kapanen has a ton of skill and brings along some energy and slight grit that would help on that Matthews-Nylander line.
He’s put up 43 points in 43 games this year for the Toronto Marlies and has impressed the Leafs brass, earning a call-up to the big club (took a while, eh?).
Hyman has done a great job of getting the puck to his talented linemates, but it’s time to infuse a little more skill and speed, while not sacrificing grit, to complement Matthews and Nylander.
Hyman is valuable, but a swap with Kapanen might be more beneficial.