Due to the length of the deal and Hyman’s advanced age, there was some skepticism when Zach Hyman signed a seven-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers in 2021, after leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs. Given that players sometimes see a deterioration in performance as they age, a long-term deal was viewed as dangerous at 29. The worry was that Hyman might not play at a high level for the whole term of his deal, which would make it challenging for the Oilers to successfully manage their salary cap.
Senators’ Response to the Kevin Mandolese Trade Will Be Next.
Hyman’s Contract Was Viewed as Being Too Wealthy and Dangerous
Hyman’s history of injuries was yet another significant worry. His physical style of play rendered him more vulnerable to further ailments, and he had already undergone surgery for a serious knee injury. This made people question whether he would be able to play for the whole duration of the contract; they were afraid he would lose a lot of time because of injuries, which would further reduce the deal’s value.
In addition, it was unclear if Hyman’s $5.5 million average annual value (AAV) would be justified by his output. Despite his success with the Maple Leafs, some observers questioned if he could continue to produce at the same level or even more in Edmonton. According to his market worth, Hyman may have been overpaid for by the Oilers, according to critics, and those funds could have been better used to solve other needs on the team.
In actuality, Hyman broke through the ice quickly. In his three seasons with the Oilers, he has increased his goal total from 27 in 2021–22 to 36 in 2022–23 and 54 in 2023–24. Not many anticipated it. Furthermore, the Oilers were able to turn what appeared to be a bad contract into a good one. During the postseason, Hyman also played like a beast, deserving of all the recognition that accompanied him.
Looking back, the Maple Leafs came away empty-handed.
Dubas Would Not Do What New GM Treliving Did
Brad Treliving, the general manager of the Maple Leafs, took a risk two weeks ago that Dubas, his predecessor, would not have. By giving defenseman Chris Tanev a six-year contract that will keep him playing until he is forty years old, he pushed the boundaries. This choice stands in stark contrast to Dubas’ method when it comes to a comparable choice involving Hyman.
Treliving’s assertive approach was made clear at an early stage when, prior to July 1, he obtained Tanev’s negotiation rights from the Dallas Stars. Tanev was then signed by the Maple Leafs to a six-year, $27 million contract, which would keep him in Toronto until his 40th birthday. There is no denying that Tanev, a seasoned defenseman with 792 regular-season games played, 190 points (33 goals, 157 assists), and experience don’t solve the Maple Leafs’ pressing need for defensive steadiness on the blue line.
But just as when the Oilers signed Hyman, the choice to sign each player is based in part on their playstyle. Since Hyman is a physically demanding player, it was assumed that he would have slowed down significantly well before the contract expired. Both the length of the contract and his age (34) sparked similar concerns. The contract was described as “long and risky” by NHL source Chris Johnston, who also noted that Tanev was exactly the kind of player the Maple Leafs needed.
The conflicting opinions around Tanev’s signing show that, despite his being a great addition to help the squad with its defensive problems, a 34-year-old signing a six-year contract is seen as risky. Although the contract takes care of urgent issues, there are substantial long-term concerns. Treliving didn’t flinch though. Tanev is therefore a long-term Blueliner for the Maple Leafs.
Dubas’ Prudence Caused Hyman to Leave
On the other hand, when Dubas had to make a similar choice with Hyman a few years ago, he chose to go cautiously, unless there was anything going on beneath the surface that we were unaware of. Rather of making a long-term commitment, he let Hyman go free, and the Oilers signed him right away. Hyman developed into a successful goal scorer. He even scored 50 goals in one season, as previously said. At least so far, he has continuously added offensive value and shows no signs of stopping. The Oilers are doing well so far.
Dubas’s hesitancy to make a long-term commitment to Hyman stemmed from worries about the player’s aging curve and possible decline. But his performance in Edmonton highlights the possible gain Treliving is banking on with Tanev. Treliving is content to take on the dangers that come with an aging player such as Tanev in order to take care of the team’s pressing requirements.
Disparities in Strategy and Their Future Consequences
Treliving is willing to give up future flexibility if necessary in order to pursue current benefits, as evidenced by his choice to sign Tanev. This plan is in opposition to Dubas’ more cautious approach, which gave long-term cap management and player sustainability first priority. Ironically, nobody ever considers Dubas to be a conservative general manager. In complete contrast.
Tanev’s signing indicates that Treliving is very much in the now and now. He’s prepared to concede that Tanev might not play as well in the latter years of his deal as he does this year. This wager highlights a change in the Maple Leafs’ management philosophy, as Treliving is now prepared to assume more risks in order to address pressing issues.
Hockey fans and commentators will be intently observing Tanev’s deal and its outcome in relation to Hyman’s accomplishments in Edmonton as the Maple Leafs progress. Treliving and Dubas’ divergent approaches offer an intriguing case study in NHL roster management and striking a balance between short-term requirements and long-term viability.
Treliving has a different perspective on the world than Dubas, for better or worse. The group may not be any more successful, but it certainly does look different—that is,ore Four ar if the CThe squad may not be more successful, but it certainly does not look the same—that is, unless the Core Four are still together.
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