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Toronto Maple Leafs: Ranking Kyle Dubas Top 5 Moves as Leafs GM

By Jordan Maresky

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 4: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas during interview with Bruce Arthur (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 4: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas during interview with Bruce Arthur (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 15: Toronto Maple Leafs center Zach Hyman #11 returns to the locker room after the second period at an NHL game against the Boston Bruins at the Scotiabank Arena on November 15, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 15: Toronto Maple Leafs center Zach Hyman #11 returns to the locker room after the second period at an NHL game against the Boston Bruins at the Scotiabank Arena on November 15, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /

No. 4: The Zach Hyman Trade 

In Kyle Dubas’ first official trade as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs front office, the 29-year-old shipped off forward prospect Greg McKegg in exchange for forward prospect Zach Hyman. Hyman, a graduate of the University of Michigan, was a Hobey Baker finalist after leading his conference in points with 54 (22 goals).

Although drafted by the Florida Panthers, Hyman had no intention of ever signing with the team. He informed Panthers management of his intentions to become an unrestricted free agent that offseason. Up to 20 teams were said to be interested, however, Hyman only had one team in mind – the Toronto Maple Leafs. The hard-nosed left-winger who grew up in the area always dreamed of being able to play for the Leafs. Hyman’s dad had this to say about his son following the news:

"“They’re going to get a kid that bleeds blue and white and understands the tradition of the Maple Leafs and who has always dreamed of being a Maple Leaf. He’ll be proud to wear that uniform.”"

Coming off ACL surgery in the 2019 offseason, no one expected much from Hyman this season, taking most of the year to continue rehabbing from his injury. Not only did Hyman put up a career year, he finally proved to the hockey world what Babcock kept saying.

During Babcock’s tenure in Toronto, he made some questionable decisions. And while towards the end his relationship with management and the fanbase began to sour, one decision he made that did not receive enough credit in its time was the support he gave to Hyman.

Early on in his career, fans were confused as to why Hyman, someone the average fan had never heard of, kept receiving ice time along with Matthews and Nylander. Babcock continued to preach Hyman was the ultimate glue guy and could transform any line from good to great, but the results were proving otherwise – until this year.

Hyman, who missed 19 games to start the year, still finished fourth on the team in goals with 21 (stats; NHL.com), also tying a career-high. Should he have played a full 82-game season, Hyman would have registered 34 goals and 60 points, absolutely crushing both of his career highs. Safe to say Dubas’ first deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs was a success.

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