Can we thank Babcock for Hyman?

[The Shadow]

Hyman has turned into a true warrior and legit key piece of the team. Nobody works harder than him

I remember reading about how it was Babcock that saw him play at Michigan while scouting Larkin way back with Detroit and he was very keen on having him on the Leafs once he started here

Anyone know if that’s true ?

I am very happy to see Hyman continue to develop and there is no reason why he cannot continue to get even better.

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[The Podium]

Hyman forced Florida’s hand and told them he won’t sign with anyone but Toronto IIRC.

Maple Leafs trade Greg McKegg to Panthers for Zach Hyman

Dubas made the trade for him as Marlies depth. Then he continued to improve. Although he was a Hobey Baker finalist so maybe they saw the potential at the time?

 

[Pinto]

Hyman forced Florida’s hand and told them he won’t sign with anyone but Toronto IIRC.

Dubas made the trade for him as Marlies depth. Then he continued to improve.

^ I remember reading that as well. Sounds like one way or another Hyman was gonna be a leaf.

 

[Twine Tickler]

"I have always bet on Mike Babcock, I’ll continue to bet on him" ~Mike Babcock

The credit goes to Hyman himself. This guy doesn't have natural skill that would get him in the league. He's worked his bag off for everything he has earned.

I know what you are saying when it comes to credit to the guy who "found" him. But he was drafted by the Panthers, lets give them credit, and also give them their lashings for giving him up for Greg McKegg (If memory serves correct)

Only thing Mike Babcock deserves is EI

 

[IPS]

We sure can. Babcock stuck it out with Hyman even though he didn't look like he belonged in the top-6 at all. Turned out to be a fantastic investment on his part. One of his few bright spots during his time as coach in Toronto.

 

[Mugzy97]

We can thank Zach Hyman for Zach Hyman

 

[GoonieFace]

100% credit to Jesus, and maybe his parents

 

[Twine Tickler]

I guess Florida is getting it all back now in a round about way with Carter Verhaghe. I never understood why we had to put him in a package deal for Grabner. He showed promise on draft day, and continued to show promise thereafter. Was a very confusing add to the trade. But that said, he's been affiliated to I think 4 NHL clubs since being drafted. So maybe there is something else I am missing. Long story long. Happy we were able to get Hyman for McKegg. Easily one of our better trades in the last decade

I know those trades have nothing to do with one another. But I guess Florida has that over us in a weird way

 

[djdev]

i, personally, would like to thank the academy.

 

[Teeder Keon]

No
I’d rather give credit to Hyman for his hard work

 

[zeke]

Another great physical gritty Dubas-style player our young GM obtained.

 

[Gabriel426]

Credits to Matthews, lol.

 

[egd27]

Another great physical gritty Dubas-style player our young GM obtained.

Good one Zeke!

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Good one Zeke!

Ok, why do you feel like it's laughable to give Dubas credit for making a good trade?

 

[SoftDumpNtheCorner88]

He is the best player on the leafs at winning puck battles and protecting the puck.. everytime I see Hyman in the corner just protects the puck so well which leads to a cycle play started by him.

Good player.

 

[Papi 4 Hart]

He has played his best hockey under Keefe...

 

[zeke]

He has played his best hockey under Keefe...

Under Keefe: 61gms, 19:22, 32gl/60pt/+38 pace

 

[Mickey Marner]

Yes, Babcock was singing Hyman's praises going back to Michigan and was likely the most responsible for his recruitment and development as a Leaf.

 

[nobody]

I've watched Zach since his Marlies days and a few times when he was at Michigan. Zach Hyman 100% gets the credit for Zach Hyman. You can tell from very early on that this kid was going to be an NHL player and a damn good one at that. He was absolutely tenacious and had the high IQ and hustle to match his very likable personality.

 

[A1LeafNation]

Thank Dubas for Hyman not Babcock.

 

[weems]

I'll eat crow on Hyman.
I was one of the people complaining early when he was playing with Matthews-Nylander.
He's always been effective and continued to improve.
He has the best motor on our team and is one of the best puck retrievers I've ever seen.

Babcock definitely derserves some credit seeing he was his biggest fan and gave him tons of oppurtunity right out of the gate.

He should definitely be wearing an A on his jersey in my opinion.

 

[hockeynorth]

To a degree, yes

 

[The Iceman]

Dubas was Zach Hyman's personal advisor at The University of Michigan and the first trade he made as Leafs GM.

Dubas used to watch Zach play in Hamilton for The Hamilton Red Wings many years ago as his advisor.
His acquisition was 100% Dubas.

Trade: Panthers Send Hyman to Maple Leafs for McKegg | NHL Rumors



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[CanadasTeam]

I'd rather personally thank the man himself Hyman for serving up plates full of them!

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Dubas is responsible for bringing Hyman to the Leafs, and Hyman is responsible for his incredible work ethic and dedication to improving as much as possible. Babcock does deserve credit for putting Hyman on the top line immediately, before he was really suited for that role.

I guess if you wanted to be super generous to Babcock, you could say the taste of playing high in the lineup motivated him to get better. But honestly, Hyman would be a great player for the Leafs today with or without Babcock