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.
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.
Hyman Brings to Oilers What the Leafs Lack
The irony of Hyman's postseason goal-scoring prowess can't be lost on the Leafs. Toronto's offense has suffered greatly in past playoffs.
The biggest criticism of the Maple Leafs is that they do not go to the dirty areas to score goals. They lack a "net-front presence". Players who can tip pucks, battle opposing defensemen, and cash in rebounds.
Hyman excels at that. 10 of his 14 postseason goals have come from within ten feet of the net. Leafs fans are well aware of his determination and willingness to get involved on the forecheck or take abuse in front of the opposition's net.
Tyler Bertuzzi was the Leafs most similar player to Hyman from last season's roster. Bertuzzi struggled to score early but improved as the season progressed. He finished the year with twenty-one goals.
Bertuzzi earned $5.5 million, the same as Hyman made with the Oilers.
Hyman Signing a Clear Win For the Oilers
No debate that signing Hyman was a great move for the Oilers. He has provided everything and more that Edmonton could have expected from the signing.
Hyman has given the Oilers secondary scoring behind stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The play of those three along with Evan Bouchard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Stuart Skinner is why Edmonton is playing for the Stanley Cup.
Should Hyman score five goals in the Stanley Cup Final he would tie the record (19) for most goals in a single playoff season. Score six and he would break the record co-held by Reggie Leach and Jari Kurri.
The move to Edmonton has worked out for Hyman, too. He is getting power-play opportunities he wouldn't have been presented with in Toronto.
He gets to receive passes from the best player on the planet, McDavid, along with the rest of the Oilers' all-star cast. He is counted on to play a bigger role than he had in Toronto.
Hyman stated it was "the best decision I ever made." That statement will sting the Leafs and their fans, even more, should the Oilers go on to win a title.
The Leafs Can Recover From the Loss of Hyman
The Leafs can recover from the immediate sting of Hyman's success in Edmonton and seeing him compete for the Stanley Cup in another uniform.
Bertuzzi is once again a free agent. If the Leafs don't want to meet his asking price or commit to him long-term, they have younger, cheaper options. It's the route they should take considering their needs on defense and in goal.
Matthews Knies continues to blossom in a power-forward role and excelled during his two playoff appearances with the Leafs. Hot prospect Easton Cowan looks like he could soon fill a prominent spot.
Hyman's play is unlikely to regress significantly within the next couple of years, especially playing alongside the Oilers stars, but four years remain on the deal after this season. During the last two years of the contract, Hyman will be 35 and 36 years old.
Perhaps, the loss won't look as bad then.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs may have to remind themselves of that should they see another one that got away hoist the Stanley Cup trophy.