Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: Top Playoff “X-Factor” Candidates for Next Season

By Rossy Pasternak

Feb 20, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman (11) and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) celebrate a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman (11) and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) celebrate a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Mar 10, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman . Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman . Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Hyman

Improving every year, Zach Hyman once again is penciled in for a top six role with the Toronto Maple Leafs next season. Coming off a rough playoffs, can he bounce back and be an “X-factor” for the Leafs in 2020-2021?

Hyman is a highly debated player amongst Leafs fans, and for good reason. While he’s undoubtedly a fan favourite because of his relentless forechecking and ability to make the simple play, he can frustrate at times. He has drawn criticism in the past for not producing enough offensively to play with guys like Matthews and Marner, and rightfully so. There have been countless times where he’s been in a great scoring situation, just to fumble the puck or make an errant pass that ends the opportunity.

However, Hyman had an excellent season in 2019-2020, scoring 37 points in just 51 games (via HockeyReference) and showing improved skill and finishing ability. While that boost in scoring may price Hyman out of Toronto when his contract is complete at the end of the season.

In the short-term, if Hyman can produce another strong regular season and carry it into the playoffs this time, it will open up possibilities the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t had in postseasons past. When Hyman is buzzing, he’s all over the opposing team on the forecheck, not allowing for clean breakout passes and often forcing turnovers. When he’s scoring, it’s because he’s living in front of the net and getting the dirty goals.

In the playoffs, when the play is tight and offensive chances are kept at a minimum, forcing turnovers in the offensive zone and scoring dirty goals could be the difference between going home early and hoisting the Cup.

Home/Maple Leafs News