Reporter: Maple Leafs Not Re-Signing $385 Million Forward is Team’s Biggest ‘Mistake’

Chris Johnston, an NHL insider and reporter, believes the Toronto Maple Leafs have never made a bigger mistake as an organization than not re-signing Zach Hyman.

Hyman was a free agent in 2021 after playing six years with the Maple Leafs. In free agency, Hyman left his hometown team to sign a seven-year $38.5 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

Since joining Edmonton, Hyman’s production has increased, and the forward has been a key reason for the Oilers forcing Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final. With all the success Hyman has had, Johnston took to social media to say Toronto not re-signing Hyman is the organization’s biggest mistake.

“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.

It is a bold take from Johnston given that the Maple Leafs have existed since 1917. But, Hyman has been a key play for the Oilers who can win the Stanley Cup on June 24 after winning three straight games to force a Game 7.

This past season, Hyman recorded 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 points.