Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Players to Replace Zach Hyman

#4. Ilya Mikheyev

When the Toronto Maple Leafs re-signed Mikheyev to a two-year contract worth $1.625M per season, the first thing I thought was: “Well, Hyman’s gone now.”

The “Soup-man” is the perfect complimentary winger on the second-line beside John Tavares and William Nylander, but could be in for a promotion to the Auston Matthews line if Hyman doesn’t re-sign. After a successful professional career in Russia, Mikheyev transitioned to the North American game with ease.

His post-season was disappointing but his regular season was brilliant. Scoring eight games in 39 games, “Soup-man” was on a roll before a devastating wrist laceration stopped his campaign. That injury could have been the reason for his mediocre post-season, but with a ton of time off to heal, you’d have to think he’ll be back to normal for the start of the 2020-21 season.

By promoting Mikheyev to the top-line in absence of Hyman, this would give the most value out of his contract because he’d be put in a better position to score. Not to discredit John Tavares and William Nylander, but the combination of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner gives “Soup-man” a slightly better chance to contribute offensively.