The Leafs can’t replace Zach Hyman (but Nick Foligno helps) – The Athletic

The evening was typical for Zach Hyman.

In slightly below six minutes, the Maple Leafs overtook the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 when Hyman was on the ice. Shot makes an attempt had been 11-4. Anticipated objectives? 99 %. Hyman began one other line, this time with Alexander Kerfoot and Ilya Mikheyev.

Then got here Alex Edler’s proper knee, a “fairly soiled blow,” because the Swede William Nylander put it.

Sheldon Keefe had no info on Hyman’s standing after the Leafs misplaced 3-2 on Sunday evening. The Leafs coach selected to not touch upon the hit himself, which brought on Hyman to seize his proper knee earlier than limping away. He actually boiled over the attainable absence of one among his key gamers.

“We hope for the very best, in fact,” mentioned Auston Matthews afterwards. “He is an essential a part of this staff. These sorts of video games, the knee-to-knee hits, they’re scary. “

“We simply hope he is okay,” added John Tavares. “Such an integral a part of our group. You can’t change the weather that he brings to our staff. “

No, there isn’t a substitute for Hyman.

He is the Leafs’ most versatile striker, somebody who slides from line to line and makes every one higher. He’s fourth on the staff (33 factors) and is simply behind Matthews with 15 objectives – one forward of Tavares, Nylander and Mitch Marner.

And that regardless of solely energy play instances right here and there.

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