NHL insider Chris Johnston has stirred controversy by claiming that the Toronto Maple Leafs’ decision not to re-sign Zach Hyman is the biggest mistake in the organization’s history. Hyman, who became a free agent in 2021 after six years with the Maple Leafs, signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
Since his move, Hyman’s performance has soared, significantly contributing to the Oilers’ push to a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final. Johnston voiced his strong opinion on social media, stating:
“Looking back, I’m not sure the #leafs have ever made a bigger mistake than letting Zach Hyman walk away. That’s an all-timer the organization never recovers from,” Johnston wrote on X.
Johnston’s assertion is bold, considering the Maple Leafs’ history dating back to 1917. However, Hyman’s impact in Edmonton is undeniable, and he has a chance to help the Oilers clinch the Stanley Cup on June 24 after winning three consecutive games to force a Game 7. This past season, Hyman tallied 54 goals and 23 assists for 77 points in 80 games. In the playoffs, he has 16 goals and 6 assists for 22 points in 24 games.
Maple Leafs Fans Disagree with Reporter’s Take
Johnston’s claim that letting Hyman go was the Maple Leafs’ biggest mistake met with strong disagreement from fans. In his last year with Toronto, Hyman scored 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 43 games, with his career-high being 21 goals before joining Edmonton.
“A little over-the-top Chris given how bad he was in the playoffs for the Leafs and had a career high of 41 points with Matthews and Tavares as his Cs on every shift. It’s not like they were winning with him…,” one fan commented.
“Man, just put it on the list, in terms of mistakes it’s probably ranked number 27 or something,” another fan wrote.
https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1804425243458683377
Many fans pointed to the Tuukka Rask trade as one of the team’s biggest blunders, arguing that the contract Edmonton offered Hyman was not something Toronto would have matched based on his previous performance.
“It was a pretty justifiable contract to walk away from. He was a completely different player in Toronto. You could definitely sign players like that long term, but more often than not when you sign those deals they end up being terrible deals. Ask the Islanders,” a fan noted.
“Lol, I refuse to believe that a professional hockey media guy would actually believe this and not be farming for engagement. Well done,” another fan added.
Hyman still has four years remaining on his contract with the Oilers.
https://x.com/myownadvisor/status/1804512768889958733
Hyman Says Leaving Maple Leafs Was an ‘Easy Decision’
Despite being from Toronto, Hyman said leaving his hometown team in 2021 was straightforward because the Maple Leafs didn’t express a strong desire to retain him.
Before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Hyman reflected on his decision to leave Toronto, stating: “Yeah, it’s easy when it’s really not your decision. It was an easy decision for me. We closed the book on Toronto, I’ve said it multiple times, Edmonton immediately was the place that I had my eye on. It was the best decision I have ever made,” Hyman told the media on June 7.
The reasons behind the Maple Leafs’ decision not to re-sign Hyman remain unclear. Nevertheless, Hyman is thriving with the Oilers and stands on the brink of becoming a Stanley Cup champion on June 24.
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