Oilers’ Zach Hyman throws shade at former team ahead of Stanley Cup Final

The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for an intense Stanley Cup Final matchup against the Florida Panthers. Edmonton has multiple stout contributors that can help them win the ultimate prize. One such player is Zach Hyman, who joined the club in 2021 from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hyman threw subtle shade at his former team as he reflected ahead of his team’s final postseason series.

Hyman gave a bold take on his decision to leave the Maple Leafs for the Oilers in 2021.

“It’s easy when it’s not really your decision,” Hyman said, per Chris Johnston.

Zach Hyman reportedly wanted to stay with the Maple Leafs in 2021, but their cap situation prevented them from offering him an adequate contract. Although, Hyman said his departure “wasn’t about the money” in a sit down with NHL.com.

“I’d have loved to be a Maple Leaf for life,” Hyman said. “I was from there, our families were from there. But when that door closed and Edmonton had shown interest all along, it was the place I wanted to come,” Hyman said.

The veteran winger claimed that coming to Edmonton was the “best decision” of his life. His pivot from Toronto seemed to stem from a genuine interest and fit with the Oilers. Still, him tacking his Maple Leafs departure up to something that was beyond himself is interesting. If money was not the issue, then what could Hyman be referring to?

Perhaps it was the principle that Toronto chose to value other players over Hyman. He might have felt better about the situation if the Maple Leafs did not let him walk for nothing. Regardless, Hyman finds himself with an opportunity to win his first Stanley Cup Championship in the 2024 Final.

Zach Hyman, Oilers look to win the ultimate prize

Edmonton had a challenging road to the Stanley Cup Final. After beating the Los Angeles Kings 4-1, they endured a seven-game series against Vancouver Canucks. Then, the Oilers faced a dangerous Dallas Stars team, who they beat in six games. Now, they will face the Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers in another intense battle.

Florida has looked dominant throughout the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have won each of their first three series in six games or less. Nevertheless, the Oilers have the personnel to put up a great fight, which includes Zach Hyman.

Hyman had a career year during the 2023-24 regular season. He amassed 54 goals and 23 assists for 77 points. Hyman continued his serviceable production in the postseason, where he totaled 14 goals and four assists for 18 points through 18 games. The 31-year-old winger provides a vital spark to Edmonton’s offense, and they will continue to need him against the mighty Panthers.

Florida finished the regular season with a 52-24-6 record and accumulated 110 points, just one point above the Boston Bruins. As a result, the Panthers ranked first in the Atlantic Division standings, and they have proved throughout the playoffs that they deserved the top spot.

The Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final matchup against Florida will not be easy, but they have what it takes to overcome and succeed.

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