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The Success of Zach Hyman Another Gut Punch to the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Edmonton winger stated that his decision to leave Toronto was made for him. His comment, plus his success with the Oilers, make his exit even more difficult for Leafs fans to digest.

By Jeremy Franks

May 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers left winger Zach Hyman (18) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers left winger Zach Hyman (18) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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The Toronto Maple Leafs just received another haymaker. If the almost six-decade Stanley Cup drought and persistent postseason failures weren't enough, there's this.

Local boy and former member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Zach Hyman, has played a huge part in leading his new team, the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final.

Hyman is trying to become the latest member to join the group of former Leafs to achieve the ultimate success with their new team. Phil Kessel (Vegas Golden Knights and Pittsburgh Penguins), Nazem Kadri (Colorado Avalanche), Tyler Bozak (St. Louis Blues), plus Tomas Kaberle and Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins) are notable players who won championships after leaving Toronto.

The departure of Hyman might hurt the most. The Leafs had a chance to retain him but didn't and his success has skyrocketed with Edmonton.

The Success of Zach Hyman Another Gut Punch to the Toronto Maple Leafs

Before starting the championship series, Hyman led the National Hockey League in playoff goals with 14. This came after he reached the fifty-goal mark (54) in the regular season.

In fairness to former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, no one could have predicted this type of goal explosion coming from Hyman. Even Oilers GM Ken Holland said, "I thought he'd be a 25-goal scorer."

However, this week Hyman stated the decision to leave Toronto was made for him, implying Edmonton made the best offer.

The blame can't be placed at the feet of Dubas for not wanting to ante up for an almost 30-year-old player on an eight-year contract. Also, at the time, Hyman's best season was twenty-one goals. The Leafs had to put their money towards more important players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

Nor should Hyman be faulted for leaving for term and money. He earned that right when hitting free agency.

None of that lessens the pain for the Toronto Maple Leafs or their fans.

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