Zach Hyman points the finger at one person for why he left the Maple Leafs

Ahead of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, former Toronto Maple Leaf and current Edmonton Oiler Zach Hyman reflected on his decision to leave Toronto in the summer of 2021.

"Coming here [Edmonton] was the best decision of my life," and emphasized, "It wasn't about the money."

«It's easy when it's not really your decision. It was an easy decision for me,» said Zach Hyman. We've closed the book on Toronto, I've said it multiple times, but Edmonton immediately was the place I had my eye on.»

These comments suggest Kyle Dubas and Maple Leafs management were not interested in retaining Hyman's services.

«I'd have loved to be a Maple Leaf for life,» Hyman said. «I was from there, 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 wanting to stay in his hometown of Toronto, the Maple Leafs decided to go in a different direction. The Edmonton Oilers, however, showed genuine interest, leading Hyman to sign a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with a $5.5 million annual cap hit. This deal has proven to be a bargain, as Hyman's performance has soared. He scored 54 goals in 80 games during the 2023-24 regular season, setting career highs in each of his first three seasons in Edmonton.

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

Hyman has also excelled in the playoffs, scoring 28 goals in 46 games with the Oilers, including leading this year's postseason with 14 goals�the most since Brayden Point in 2021 and just five away from the single-year playoff record of 19.

Hyman is one of seven former Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Final, with six playing for the Oilers. His performance shows how much Toronto misses him, while he has proven to be an invaluable player for Edmonton, who are now just four wins away from the Stanley Cup.

Previously on PuckReporter

Kyle Davidson makes a major announcement regarding his pursuit of Patrick Kane

Major controversy emerges with the referee selection of the Stanley Cup Finals

Insider reveals shocking news regarding Craig Berube and Mitch Marner

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7 JUIN \| 335 ANSWERS Zach Hyman points the finger at one person for why he left the Maple Leafs Do you think Kyle Dubas ruined the Toronto Maple Leafs chances of winning the Stanley Cup the past few years?
Yes	248	74 %
No	87	26 %
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