Insider reveals something outlandish about ex-Leafs fan favourite Zach Hyman
When the Toronto Maple Leafs swung a deal for Zach Hyman back in 2015, I don't think anyone could have seen the type of player he'd eventually become at the time. Hyman's exploits were well-noted in Toronto, and he was largely viewed as one of the most under-rated and underpaid wingers in the game for a few seasons before he finally cashed in during free agency in the summer of 2021, signing a 7-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers worth $5.5M per season.
Well, as it turns out, as crazy as it sounds, Hyman still may be way underpaid. Not only has he shown that he can remain healthy for a full schedule with minimal maintenance, but he has seen a drastic spike in his goal scoring ability, posting 27 goals and 36 goals in successive seasons. However, none of this is nearly as shocking as what TSN's Chris Johnston reported last night.
Per Johnston, Hyman's goal last night, his 19th of the season, puts him on pace to score an outlandish 52 goals this season. Fifty-two goals.
Hyman is not only that glue guy that everyone needs in their lineup, but he has, over the years, developed into a dynamic scoring winger as well. While he had definitely shown glimpses of this type of play in Toronto, I don't think anyone could have prepared themselves for the fact that Hyman could potentially be a 50-goal scorer in his 30's (Hyman turned 31 in June).
Hyman was over a point per game with the Oilers last season, finishing the year with a career high 83 points. A nice little benefit to playing with guys like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, to be sure. This season, Hyman is also over a point per game with 31 points through his first 30 games of the season.
I'm sure, like me, a large number of you are wishing that Hyman was still a Leaf, but even though he's no longer in Toronto, I still find myself keeping notes on Hyman throughout the years and, overall, I'm happy to see a guy like that doing so well in the league. 52 goals may be a bit of a pipe dream by the time all is said and done, but still, the fact that he's on that pace right now is pretty cool.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 23 | 917 ANSWERS Insider reveals something outlandish about ex-Leafs fan favourite Zach Hyman Will Zach Hyman break 50 goals this season in Edmonton? (on pace for 52 goals so far) | ||
| I say he does it | 206 | 22.5 % |
| No, there's no way he does it | 287 | 31.3 % |
| 40 is more realistic | 424 | 46.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
