Checking in on Former Toronto Maple Leafs Around the NHL

Zach Hyman

Allowing Zach Hyman to leave in free agency will be one of the Leafs biggest shockers from the Kyle Dubas era. Though it must be noted that the Leafs replaced him with Michael Bunting at one-fifth the cost (900K) for two years, and that in those two years he outperformed anything Hyman ever did on the Leafs (though he never became as beloved as Hyman).

After the 2020-21 season, Hyman became an unrestricted free agent (UFA). As much as fans wanted Hyman to re-sign, Dubas couldn't meet Hyman's asking price.

So, Hyman signed a seven-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers for $5.5 million a season.

Hyman played well during his time with the Leafs. He spent most of his time playing in the top six with Matthews, Marner, Tavares, and Nylander. Hyman registered 86 goals and 99 assists for 185 points in 345 games over six seasons.

The Leafs tried a couple of times to see if Hyman could run his own line by playing him on the third line, but it never worked. He thrives while playing with the stars of the team. He wanted a new deal that would pay him what he thought he was worth. The Leafs couldn't afford to sign him, so he had no choice but to leave.

Luckily for Hyman, the grass was greener on the other side. Since signing with the Oilers, Hyman has registered 101 goals and 93 assists for 194 points in 210 games.

He has 38 goals through 55 games this season and is on pace for 56 goals. It's hard to believe that Dubas couldn't find a way to keep Hyman with the Leafs. The Leafs would surely love to still have his offensive output in their top six.