Zach Hyman Appreciation Thread.

[Man Bear Pig]

Gets 28 points while his center gets 40 goals...give that man a promotion! Hyman should thank his lucky stars every night that he has those incriminating photos of Babcock. He's a 4th line PK specialist. We'll never win a cup with him on our first line. Not a bad player at all. Horribly out of place with skilled players. I shuttered when someone from the press said he had a good game and Babcock said "I'm glad someone noticed". It's like Babcock is putting him out there out of spite. It's not fair to Hyman.

 

[BodaciousBeefBazooka]

Hyman must go. That's all. If you can't see why, then God bless you.

 

[Narow]

Gets 28 points while his center gets 40 goals...give that man a promotion! Hyman should thank his lucky stars every night that he has those incriminating photos of Babcock. He's a 4th line PK specialist. We'll never win a cup with him on our first line. Not a bad player at all. Horribly out of place with skilled players. I shuttered when someone from the press said he had a good game and Babcock said "I'm glad someone noticed". It's like Babcock is putting him out there out of spite. It's not fair to Hyman.

Well while playing with hyman matthews had 38 points (5v5) and hyman had 23..

Yes big difference but not quiet as bad.

Matthews had 28 goals hyman 5. However in assists hyman had 18 and matthews had 10...

 

[Quarter]

This is an odd-looking appreciation thread. Not due to subject, but content.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Well while playing with hyman matthews had 38 points (5v5) and hyman had 23..

Yes big difference but not quiet as bad.

Matthews had 28 goals hyman 5. However in assists hyman had 18 and matthews had 10...

Ummm... that's because Hyman can't finish worth a ****. Of course Hyman would have more assists. Nylander was Matthews only winger with above average offensive skills. Brown about average. Hyman well below.

 

[Mess]

Hyman is Leafs unsung hero of this season.

Auston Matthews his linemate with Hyman as his consistent wingman for all 82 games finished 3rd in goals and the very likely Calder Trophy winner.

The time & space created by Hyman, his battles for lose pucks and his 120% effort every shift of every game as well as leading the entire NHL forwards in SH TOI/g and setting a new Leaf rookie record for shorthanded goals in the process in a season are all major accomplishments for a rookie forward.

I wish some of Leafs more higher skilled forwards gave even 1/2 the effort that Hyman does, as it would go a long way to Leafs success.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Hyman is Leafs unsung hero of this season.

Auston Matthews his linemate with Hyman as his consistent wingman for all 82 games finished 3rd in goals and the very likely Calder Trophy winner.

The time & space created by Hyman, his battles for lose pucks and his 120% effort every shift of every game as well as leading the entire NHL forwards in SH TOI/g and setting a new Leaf rookie record for shorthanded goals in the process in a season are all major accomplishments for a rookie forward.

I wish some of Leafs more higher skilled forwards gave even 1/2 the effort that Hyman does, as it would go a long way to Leafs success.

This is supposed to be an appreciation thread so I won't say much more except this: Matthews is a very talented player who would have scored 40 goals with any winger beside him. Hyman did not do anything special. Properly slotted on a cup contender, he is a 3rd liner at best. That's it, that's all I will say.

 

[saltming]

"Zack Hyman only scored 10 goals, 18 assists for 29 points."

We'll never confuse Zack Hyman for William Nylander, but the constant pounding you hear from fans is unbelievable. To be quite honestly, this guys comes from no-where!
The simple fact is, the guy was just able to play all kinds of minutes and be trusted. For all the talents in the world, he simply out-worked them. He knocked established
veteran players out of the NHL. His hustle is second to none. Is he an elite scorer? No. So let's compare his rookie season to some other players... some who are 'elite' scorers:

• Henrik Sedin scored 9 goals, 20 assists for 29 points in 82 games.
• Phil Kessel scored 11 goals, 18 assists for 29 points in 70 games.
• Niklas Hagman scored 10 goals, 18 assists for 29 points in 78 games.
• Craig Simpson scored 11 goals, 17 assists for 28 points in 76 games.
• Vincent Lecavalier scored 13 goals, 15 assists for 28 points in 82 games.
• P.J. Axelsson scored 8 goals, 19 assists for 27 points in 82 games.
• Milan Lucic scored 8 goals, 19 assists for 27 points in 77 games.

Yeah there's 9000 players in the history of the NHL who wished they had Hyman's offensive numbers in their rookie season.

Lets see how he's done:

• 31st all-time short-handed points scored for NHL rookies.
• Most short-handed goals by a Leaf rookie.
• Tied with six other Leafs for most consecutive assists (6)
• 104th all-time hits by a rookie.
• 36th all-time blocked shots by a rookie forward.
• 56th all-time take-aways by a rookie forward.
• 10th all-time penalty-killing ice-time by a rookie.

In his first season, Hyman established himself as a premier defensive forward. The fact is, the Leaf fan base got excited for Wellwood's 11 goals in his rookie season, despite his inability
to offer much else. But with players like Matthews, Nylander, and Marner, fans are actually upset with having a rookie that can play two-way hockey that only scored 28 points.

We might as well take a quick look at some of his other accolades he's accomplished.

• OJHL North-West Conference First All-Star Team 2010–11
• OJHL BJ Monroe Trophy 2010–11
• OJHL Most Gentlemanly Player 2010–11
• CJHL Player of the Year 2010–11
• Bates/Deskins Award Winner 2014
• GLI All-Tournament Team 2014
• All-Big Ten First Team 2014–15
• AHCA West First-Team All-American 2014–15
• Big Ten Scoring Champion 2014–15
• Big Ten All-Tournament Team 2015
• Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Award Finalist 2015
• Hobey Baker Award Top-10 Finalist 2015
• Capital One First Team Academic All-District Selection 2015
• Capital One Academic All-America Division I Men's At-Large Team 2015
• University of Michigan Athlete of the Year 2015
• NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year 2015
• Joseph E. Barss Award "True Team Player" 2014–15
• Hal Downes Trophy "Most Valuable Player" 2014–15
• Doc Losh Trophy "Scoring Leader" 2014–15
• Carl Isaacson Trophy "Best Student Athlete" 2014–15
• 2015 All-American Athlete Award by The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) and EAS Sports Nutrition
• 2014-15 Senior Athlete of The Year Award winner from Michigan.
• As a 17-year-old underage player, was Assistant Captain in the U20 Three Nations tournament.
• Gold medal winner for Canada at the 2013 Maccabiah Games held in Israel.

Pretty accomplished player. Determined. A winner. Oh, and the Children's books are pretty cool to.

To sum it up, the Leafs gave up Greg McKegg for a player drafted in the 5th round. We could all see that he was never going be an elite scorer. But some could see something else, that he's a winner.
You have to ask yourself, did the Leafs trade a possible career AHLer for a player that came in and possibly LEAD the team in some aspects? What a great dimension to have. It allowed Babcock
to ice not just one player, but an entire line of nothing but rookies! And this is just the beginning. Matthews works on his face-off, Nylander works on his defensive game, Hyman works on his offensive game, etc.

We might not of seen anything yet.

 

[Narow]

Ummm... that's because Hyman can't finish worth a ****. Of course Hyman would have more assists. Nylander was Matthews only winger with above average offensive skills. Brown about average. Hyman well below.

Yes. He lacked finnish, but he did alright anyways in my opinion...not great but pretty solid for a rookie.

For example here is how matthews linemates do with and without him at 5v5.

Nylander w/ matthews 4g 18p in 624:10
Nylander w/o matthews 7g 12p in 426:52

Brown w/ matthews 6g 11p in 411:35
Brown w/o matthews 8g 13p in 611:54

Hyman w/matthews 5g 18p in 975:05
Hyman w/o matthews 1g 1p in 109:05

Nylander especially is interesting 5v5 as he produced better away from matthews in quite alot less time, hmm

Brown was meh either way 2 points more in 200 minutes more away from matthews is definatly less efficient but no huge difference.

And hyman well barely spent time away grom eachother so cant say much if anything.

So lets see who matthews has produced mosy efficiantly with.

Ill start with hyman as surprise suprise most of his production is with hyman as thy played together like 84% of icetime.

Matthews w/ hyman 28g 38p in 975:05
Matthews w/o 1g 3p 185:02

Matthews w/ brown 15g 21p in 411:35
Matthews w/o brown 14g 20p in 748:32

Woah matthews produced majority of his 5v5 goals and points with brown despite spending almost twice the minutes away from him.

Lets see the only winger with above average skills

*drums*

Matthews w/nylander 13g 18p 624:10
Matthews w/o nylander 16g 23p in 535:57

So matthews seemed to producing the best with brown in this season...obvoiously these are pure results only, doesnt mean matthews didnt look better with nylander for example, but this is what happend. Kinda odd.

Also their 5v5 totals

Matthews 29g 41p
Nylander 11g 30p
Brown 14g 24p
Hyman 6g 24p

At 5v5 it seems matthews benefitted but not his teammates... dont know the context to that but im sure there is a good explanation to it. Maybe hyman ^^? Maybe focusing to much on getting matthews the puck? I dont know

I chose to compare in 5v5 as hyman doesnt play it..

Anyways point is he did fine despite how much bettee it could have been...lets see how he looks next season.

Youd expect nylanders goalscoring to have gone up with those sweet dishes from matthews but nope..which means matthews assists with him are the worst of the bunch..anyways matthews "only" had 12 assists at 5v5...cant blame it all on hyman he has had another winger to feed all season long..

And as you saw none of his linemates really scored at 5v5...only between 4-6 goals....maybe it was matthews role to score on that line as he is really damn good at it ?

 

[Menzinger]

The guy did hit 28 points without pp..if he can become a bit better at finishing 40 is very realistic. That is a big if tho. But hey hyman outscored Larkin when they played together so you never know

But look at his 5v5 production. It's absolutely dreadful, especially considering his most consistent line mate was Matthews and he played a ton of the year with Nylander.

The signs just seem to suggest he's going to be a 25-30 point guy. Nothing wrong with that at all too. Not every guy is going to be a scorer to be effective, I'd just prefer him down the lineup in 5v5 situations and give him tons of PK time.

 

[Mess]

Coach Babcock wishes he had more players like Hyman.

He is one the coaches most trusted players and hardest workers.

 

[Narow]

But look at his 5v5 production. It's absolutely dreadful, especially considering his most consistent line mate was Matthews and he played a ton of the year with Nylander.

The signs just seem to suggest he's going to be a 25-30 point guy. Nothing wrong with that at all too. Not every guy is going to be a scorer to be effective, I'd just prefer him down the lineup in 5v5 situations and give him tons of PK time.

Yeah thats true, i dont think he is meant to be a longterm linemate for matthews.

Anyways considering his role and hin being a rookie i cant really complain... and matthews ending up 2nd in the rocket race is proof that that line workes as it should

 

[Mess]

The guy did hit 28 points without pp..if he can become a bit better at finishing 40 is very realistic. That is a big if tho. But hey hyman outscored Larkin when they played together so you never know

ES & SH comparison (minus PP time)

Brown ..... 20g - 16a - 36 points [2-4-6pts PP ] = 30 ES/SH points
Hyman .... 10g - 18a - 28 points [0-0-0pts PP ] = 28 ES/SH points
Komarov ..14g - 18a - 32 points [4-6-10pts PP] = 22 ES/SH points

Hyman produces at similar rates to others that get PP time.

 

[Narow]

ES & SH comparison (minus PP time)

Brown ..... 20g - 16a - 36 points [2-4-6pts PP ] = 30 ES/SH points
Hyman .... 10g - 18a - 28 points [0-0-0pts PP ] = 28 ES/SH points
Komarov ..14g - 18a - 32 points [4-6-10pts PP] = 22 ES/SH points

Hyman produces at similar rates to others that get PP time.

Thats kinda awesome didnt know, but yeah hyman has played with a 40 goalscorer and a 20 goalscorer all season, but still cant hate on the guy...he actually had a strong rookie season for his role in my opinion...i do understand the dissapointment in finish and all those goalcrease falls tho.

 

[Menzinger]

ES & SH comparison (minus PP time)

Brown ..... 20g - 16a - 36 points [2-4-6pts PP ] = 30 ES/SH points
Hyman .... 10g - 18a - 28 points [0-0-0pts PP ] = 28 ES/SH points
Komarov ..14g - 18a - 32 points [4-6-10pts PP] = 22 ES/SH points

Hyman produces at similar rates to others that get PP time.

Brown and Leo weren't tied to the hip of the team's leading scorer for the entire season. Hyman also had something like 2 5v5 points over the last 20ish games of the regular season.

It's simply not good production considering his icetime and usage. Doesn't make him a bad player, just ill-suited for his role.

 

[X66]

"Zack Hyman only scored 10 goals, 18 assists for 29 points."

We'll never confuse Zack Hyman for William Nylander, but the constant pounding you hear from fans is unbelievable. To be quite honestly, this guys comes from no-where!
The simple fact is, the guy was just able to play all kinds of minutes and be trusted. For all the talents in the world, he simply out-worked them. He knocked established
veteran players out of the NHL. His hustle is second to none. Is he an elite scorer? No. So let's compare his rookie season to some other players... some who are 'elite' scorers:

• Henrik Sedin scored 9 goals, 20 assists for 29 points in 82 games.
• Phil Kessel scored 11 goals, 18 assists for 29 points in 70 games.
• Niklas Hagman scored 10 goals, 18 assists for 29 points in 78 games.
• Craig Simpson scored 11 goals, 17 assists for 28 points in 76 games.
• Vincent Lecavalier scored 13 goals, 15 assists for 28 points in 82 games.
• P.J. Axelsson scored 8 goals, 19 assists for 27 points in 82 games.
• Milan Lucic scored 8 goals, 19 assists for 27 points in 77 games.

Sedin Age 20
Kessel Age 19
Hagman Age 22
Simpson Age 18
Lecavailer Age 18
Axelsson Age 22
Lucic Age 19

Zach Hyman Age 24

The dumbest, no seriously, the absolute dumbest comparisons I have seen on here on some time lol.

I don't hate Hyman, I want him on the team. I just don't want him anywhere near Matthews. It'll make more sense to you one day.

 

[Mess]

Brown and Leo weren't tied to the hip of the team's leading scorer for the entire season. Hyman also had something like 2 5v5 points over the last 20ish games of the regular season.

It's simply not good production considering his icetime and usage. Doesn't make him a bad player, just ill-suited for his role.

Ill-suited for his role is subjective and debatable.

His linemate is the favourite for the Calder, his coach is up for Adams and his team was an surprise playoff team going from last overall against most prognosticators.

Sure seems like a lot of success both teammates and coach to suggest ill-suited for his role on the team.

Coach likely wouldn't change a thing or believe ill-suited.

 

[Sniper99]

Hyman must go. That's all. If you can't see why, then God bless you.

So I should feel blessed because I dont see why Hyman should go? Thanks.

I dont think you understand what blessings are. Maybe attend a service once in awhile you might figure this stuff out.

 

[bobermay]

The dumbest, no seriously, the absolute dumbest comparisons I have seen on here on some time lol.

I don't hate Hyman, I want him on the team. I just don't want him anywhere near Matthews. It'll make more sense to you one day.

What makes you feel so entitled to be so confident about your assessment? Do you think you know more than Mike Babcock??

By placing Hyman on Matthews wing, you solidify that line defensively, AND open opportunities to have a deeper lineup (more offensive threats on more lines). I believe Babcock has stated he likes Hyman on that line because he's a worker that doesn't need the puck all the time. Babs has said a few times that the stars he's worked with in the past all say the ideal linemate is a guy that cane get them the puck. Hyman does that.

 

[nuck]

What makes you feel so entitled to be so confident about your assessment? Do you think you know more than Mike Babcock??

By placing Hyman on Matthews wing, you solidify that line defensively, AND open opportunities to have a deeper lineup (more offensive threats on more lines). I believe Babcock has stated he likes Hyman on that line because he's a worker that doesn't need the puck all the time. Babs has said a few times that the stars he's worked with in the past all say the ideal linemate is a guy that cane get them the puck. Hyman does that.

I think it was important to give Matthews someone like Hyman this year because even though he is described as having a 200ft game, he could concentrate on scoring during his rookie season. In hindsight, Matthews may not have needed someone to do all his digging and back checking, but he had a big year, as did Willie and Mitch, so at worst it cost him a few points by year end.

This is kind of like how Babs says AM could have some sophomore challenges in year 2 so it might be better for him not to have the pressure of being Captain. So Zach was his training wheels for year 1, and like leaving Willie on the wing, he probably wants to have some continuity so as not to disrupt year 2. I am thinking ZH will return to the same spot for at least the first portion of year 2, to give Auston his continuity, and perhaps to see if he can manage a bit better offense. Hymans scoring was poor enough that even a slight decline next year drops him immediately to fourth line value, but he is also still under 200 pro games so odds are more likely he will improve than get worse.

I don't think Zach will stay top 6 without ramping up his offense, but I am looking forward to finding that out. If he is 14 points by mid season next year then I wonder if he will still have the same support? If he has 25 points at mid season will people still be piling on?

 

[bobermay]

I think it was important to give Matthews someone like Hyman this year because even though he is described as having a 200ft game, he could concentrate on scoring during his rookie season. In hindsight, Matthews may not have needed someone to do all his digging and back checking, but he had a big year, as did Willie and Mitch, so at worst it cost him a few points by year end.

This is kind of like how Babs says AM could have some sophomore challenges in year 2 so it might be better for him not to have the pressure of being Captain. So Zach was his training wheels for year 1, and like leaving Willie on the wing, he probably wants to have some continuity so as not to disrupt year 2. I am thinking ZH will return to the same spot for at least the first portion of year 2, to give Auston his continuity, and perhaps to see if he can manage a bit better offense. Hymans scoring was poor enough that even a slight decline next year drops him immediately to fourth line value, but he is also still under 200 pro games so odds are more likely he will improve than get worse.

I don't think Zach will stay top 6 without ramping up his offense, but I am looking forward to finding that out. If he is 14 points by mid season next year then I wonder if he will still have the same support? If he has 25 points at mid season will people still be piling on?

Well said, and I agree with most of it.

I'm being picky, but why do people still abide by the 'Burkian' "Top 6 / Bottom 6" philosophy. If anything, this season showed that Babcock likes to run all four lines, and I think we we're better off for it.

I think its time for people to stop thinking of Top 6/Bottom 6 and start thinking of the lineup that will help the team succeed most.

 

[Menzinger]

Well said, and I agree with most of it.

I'm being picky, but why do people still abide by the 'Burkian' "Top 6 / Bottom 6" philosophy. If anything, this season showed that Babcock likes to run all four lines, and I think we we're better off for it.

I think its time for people to stop thinking of Top 6/Bottom 6 and start thinking of the lineup that will help the team succeed most.

Sure,I agree the notion of top six bottom six is outdated (especially under Babcocks systems), but with that said even under that context it's not unreasonable to want to find a replacement for Hyman on that top line who can provide more offense as well as also be defensively responsible, especially if the team is looking to move towards being a contender.

 

[nsleaf]

Is there another player on the Leafs who can go get the puck the way Hymn does and score?

 

[Leafidelity]

Is there another player on the Leafs who can go get the puck the way Hymn does and score?

Nobody else can get as far as to chase down the puck the way Hyman does. He's one of the best on the team at creating chances because of it.

 

[Darcy Tucker]

Nobody else can get as far as to chase down the puck the way Hyman does. He's one of the best on the team at creating chances because of it.

And yet he was a ghost down the stretch, had 20 games doing basically nothing.

His hustle is great he looked serviceable ... as a 4th liner. Matthews with a skilled LW and Nylander could be so good. Who doesn't want to see them put up ridiculous numbers going forward? Is Hyman going to push them to their 80-90+ point ceiling? Hell no lets get serious folks. He has no hands or creativity and for a grinder he barely registers impactful hits. He is easily replaceable... Soshnikov.