Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward and unheralded top-six winger Zach Hyman remains sidelined with a hip pointer injury that could postpone his season debut.
The injury in question was sustained last Friday during a preseason game versus the Buffalo Sabres. Although his impairment does not appear to be severe, the Toronto Maple Leafs are being cautious in their handling of the situation.
According to Paul Hendrick of Leafs Nation Network, Hyman is aiming to be ready for next week’s season opener but with that comes no guarantee.
For the Leafs, already thin at left-wing, this is not good news.
Zach Hyman’s return from a hip pointer continues to make progress. The plan is to be ready for next Wednesday ‘s opener, participation in this weekend’s series against Detroit is unlikely. #tmltalk
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) September 27, 2018
Only two games remain in Toronto’s preseason schedule but Hyman’s long-term health is a priority at this point rather than developing team chemistry. After accounting for the performance of Hyman with John Tavares and Mitch Marner line up to this point, the latter does not appear to be an issue as it currently stands.
Zach Hyman heading out for #Leafs practice in the traditional red no-contact sweater. Although the Leafs sometimes use those red sweaters for each player on Hyman's line, so. Do with that information what you will.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 27, 2018
Despite Toronto’s apparent depth, there now remain several opportunities to crack the opening night lineup. Combined with the likelihood of William Nylander‘s contract stalemate lasting through the opening game, several worthy players may be forced to step up and assume a top-six role in the short-term.
Reinforcements
With Tyler Ennis presumably slated on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Patrick Marleau, the obvious vacancy lies in place of Hyman and his complementary role beside John Tavares and Mitch Marner. There are several viable options available such as Josh Leivo or Andreas Johnsson, yet none have managed to claim their grasp on the opportunity.
Similarly, roster hopeful Trevor Moore has been turning heads since the Toronto Marlies’ Calder Cup run and has continued to do so into Leafs’ training camp. Moore saw time with the dynamic duo of Tavares and Marner during Wednesday night’s 5-3 preseason win over the Montreal Canadiens but failed to stand out, however, his performance within a small sample size is not intuitive of his overall ability.
Moore’s team-low of 9:44 minutes of time on ice in Montreal underlines that very statement.
Beginning Friday, the Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Detroit Red Wings in a back-to-back home-and-home series to close out their final two games of preseason action. Time is quickly running out for Mike Babcock to find a suitable complement to fill-in as Zach Hyman’s health requires it.
The Toronto Maple Leafs begin the season Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens.