New deal for Hyman? Well, it’s complicated
Hi Kevin, I’m a huge fan of Zach Hyman. Wish we had a few more like him on the Leafs. His work ethic is second to none, rarely does he lose a puck battle. What is Hyman’s contract situation? Is there a concern he could be lost in expansion draft? What do you think it would take to re-sign him when his contract expires? — Dave C. Great question, and maybe — with Frederik Andersen — the most important contract of the year for GM Kyle Dubas. Both Hyman and Andersen are heading toward unrestricted free agency. UFAs do not need to be protected in the expansion draft. I’d say Hyman could expect $4.5 million (U.S.) a year on a five-year deal. Andersen could probably get between $6 million and $8 million on a three-year deal.
If the Leafs extend one, the other or both before the expansion draft, they’d need to be protected. But for every player you add to your protected list, you have to drop another.
In Andersen’s case, it’s simple: Sign and protect him, and therefore expose Jack Campbell and Michael Hutchinson. Or roll the dice and let Andersen get to free agency, where you risk losing him, and protect Campbell.
Hyman’s case is more complicated. Teams have a choice in their protection lists: (a) protect seven forwards, three defencemen and a goalie; or (b) protect eight skaters and a goalie.
Right now, it looks like the Leafs would protect eight skaters: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl. That would expose the likes of Alex Kerfoot, Pierre Engvall and Travis Dermott.
If they sign Hyman, the Leafs would have to go the 7-3-1 route. Hyman, Kerfoot and Engvall would likely be the additional forwards but the Leafs would have to drop one defenceman. Holl, probably.
The best hope is that Hyman and Andersen head to free agency, and re-sign in Toronto. Send your questions to