Coming to Oilers Best Decision of Zach Hyman’s Life

As the 2024 Stanley Cup Final approaches, former Toronto Maple Leaf and current Edmonton Oilers’ forward Zach Hyman had the chance to reflect on the decision that saw him leave Toronto in the summer of 2021. In a sit-down with NHL.com, Hyman stated that “Coming here [Edmonton] was the best decision of my life” and emphasized that “It wasn’t about the money.”

But, as he explained it, it was precisely about the money. But there was more. Hyman felt the Maple Leafs didn’t want him enough. At the same time, the Oilers did want him – enough to pay him close to what he felt he was worth.

Considering the Maple Leafs Perspective

From the Maple Leafs’ perspective, they found themselves in the harsh reality of riding tightly up against the salary cap. That forced management into tough decisions, including letting Hyman walk out the door for nothing. At the time, Hyman didn’t like it much. But things changed after three seasons.

“I’d have loved to be a Maple Leaf for life,” Hyman shared. “I was from there (Toronto); our families were from there. But when that door closed, and Edmonton had shown interest all along, it was the place I wanted to come.”

Despite his desire to remain in his hometown, Toronto couldn’t offer him the contract he deserved and rightfully earned on the open market. Following a tour of Edmonton, one team emerged for Hyman. The Edmonton Oilers expressed a genuine interest in his services.

The Oilers Signed Him for a Max-Term Contract of Seven Years

The forward signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with a cap hit of $5.5 million a season. It was a bargain compared to the numbers he’d produced upon his arrival. Having never scored more than 21 goals in a season, Hyman has risen to stardom, scoring 54 goals in 80 games during the 2023-24 regular season, setting career highs in goals in each of his first three seasons in Edmonton.

In six seasons with Toronto (2015-21), Hyman scored 91 goals and 107 assists for 198 points in 377 regular and postseason games. In comparison, he has already scored 145 goals and registered 114 assists for 259 points in 281 regular and postseason games with Edmonton.