After a successful rookie season, Zach Hyman was brought back on a four-year contract by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Often found on Auston Matthews‘ left wing, Hyman’s position beside the former first overall pick could be in jeopardy due to the arrival of Patrick Marleau.

Toronto Maple Leafs Roster Preview, 50-in-50: Zach Hyman

Zach Hyman impressed in his lone AHL season in 2015-16, scoring 37 points in 59 games. It was good enough for the former Michigan Wolverine to be called up at the trade deadline, appearing in 16 games at the end of the Leafs season. He made a solid impression, netting four goals and six points.

Coming into training camp, some wondered where the 24-year old rookie would fit in the lineup. With a versatile game, Hyman could slot in at any forward position from the first line to the fourth. By the end of camp, he found himself paired with Matthews and William Nylander.

Placed in the position to be a forechecker and help defensively, Hyman stayed on Auston Matthews’ wing the entire season. Although the right side swapped between the likes of Nylander and Connor Brown, Hyman was a mainstay alongside Matthews.

With Auston Matthews tearing up the score sheet all year long, criticism began to fall on Hyman’s production (or lack thereof). At season’s end, Matthews was the Calder favourite with 40 goals and 69 points. Hyman, although a solid season, had only recorded 10 goals and 28 points.

Most believed Hyman should be producing at a much better rate due to the quality of his linemates. One that did not believe that was Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, as Hyman remained beside Matthews through the regular season and into the playoffs. In the postseason, Hyman scored an impressive four points in six games (although all three assists were secondary).

Even though Hyman scored just 28 points in the regular season, he received a first place and a fifth place Selke Trophy vote, putting him 25th in overall standings.

Profile (via EliteProspects)

Age: 25

Position: C/W

Height: 6’1′

Weight: 209 lbs

NHL Draft: Fifth Round, 123rd Overall in 2010 by Florida

Contract (via CapFriendly)

A restricted free agent, Hyman signed a four-year, $9 million contract on July 5, which comes out to a cap hit of $2.25 million. His contract is fairly simple, with no performance or signing bonuses.

This year and next, Hyman will make $2 million in base salary. In the final two years, the base salary rises to $2.5 million. In addition to the $500,000 raise, a modified no trade clause kicks in, where Hyman can submit a 10 team no trade list.

2017-18 Season

The signing of Patrick Marleau throws a wrench into the plans for Zach Hyman. Going into free agency, it seemed likely that he would end up on Matthews’ left wing once again in the fall.

Marleau makes things interesting now. One would imagine that Marleau, a left winger, would be perfectly suited beside Matthews and will get a long, hard look at that position in training camp. All signs point to a fantastic line on paper if Marleau does indeed play with Matthews.

But where would that leave Hyman? Of course, it’s no guarantee that he leaves Matthews’ wing, as Babcock has often praised the 25-year old. If he does move, the likely scenario as of now, he could play a number of positions.

Hyman could move to the right wing and form a shutdown line with Leo Komarov and Nazem Kadri, although it would push 20 goal scorer Connor Brown outside of the top nine. He could also stay on the left and play with Kadri and Brown, which would push Komarov down the lineup.

What seems most likely, however, is a fourth line role for Zach Hyman. The only real open spot in the forward group is the fourth line right wing, where the Leafs saw a handful of players feature in the lineup last season. Obviously, the $6.25 million Patrick Marleau won’t be playing fourth line minutes, which could move Hyman into the spot beside Matt Martin and newly acquired centre, Dominic Moore.

Regardless of where he plays, it is a near guarantee he remains in the lineup in some capacity. As a favourite of Mike Babcock’s, we will likely see much more from the Torontonian over the duration of his four-year contract.

Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images