The Toronto Maple Leafs look pretty set at the forward position for the upcoming season.
The four forward lines are unlikely to change much by the time camp comes around for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Assuming at the moment that they don’t, there is a change Mike Babcock should make. Remove Zach Hyman from the Auston Matthews line.
There’s a common misconception among many fans (and I’d argue the media as well) that Hyman is critical to the success of Matthews and William Nylander. While there is a lot to like about the guy, Hyman just doesn’t have the hands to pass or shoot like his line mates can. As such, he drags them down. Let’s look at how.
Not a Great Passer
A lot of the talk about Hyman’s value is his talent in winning puck battles along the boards and getting the puck to his team mates. A key problem here, however, is he doesn’t really do that all too often.
In 82 games last year, Hyman managed only 18 assists. Of those 18, only eight were primary assists. Despite playing next to Matthews virtually all season long, that’s all he could manage. Hyman might be battling for the puck in the corner, but he is seldom making plays and scoring chances when he has it.
Not a Great Shooter
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Hyman’s shot isn’t bad, but even when he did score, four of his ten goals were tip-ins. He had 156 shots on goal last season with only a 6.4 shooting percentage, the lowest amongst the Leafs forwards.
It seems likely that his shooting percentage will rise a bit in the coming years, but these are not the hands of a goal scorer.
Offensive stats like these while playing with Matthews and Nylander (who had 69 and 61 points respectively) are simply underwhelming. Nearly any winger on the Leafs roster would provide more offensive production with Matthews and Nylander than Hyman does.
With too many wingers to choose from already, it only makes sense to put a different forward on that line.
What He is Good For
Hyman might not be a skilled player that should play high in the lineup, but he doesn’t hurt you and there’s still a lot to like.
He has a relentless motor, consistently applying pressure to the other team on the forecheck. It’s evident how hard he works and battles all over the ice.
Hyman skates after the puck like it owes him money. He’s defensively sound and all that hustling certainly brings energy to the team. Hyman has no problem getting into traffic and mucking it up around the net either.
Though he did only have ten goals last year, four were short-handed. He’s great on the penalty kill. The more he’s out there on the PK, the better.
Therefore
Hyman’s skill set is better suited for the third of the fourth line where offence isn’t as often expected. Being a shift disturber by outworking the other team and constantly hounding them is his bread and butter. Have him do that and kill penalties all night. Give Matthews some skill on his left wing.
Next: Trade Targeting Justin Faulk
If Babcock would be a little more flexible and move Hyman down the lineup where he fits better, the team as a whole will improve. Babs might love his grinder but the Leafs didn’t sign Marleau for no reason at all.