Kyle Dubas, the Leafs' general manager, had hoped Hyman would accept a home-town discount in exchange for staying with the organisation, but that looks to be off the table with Hyman's representation. Last season, the two-way forward scored 33 points in 43 games, putting him on track to break his career best of 41 points in an 82-game season. Hyman earned $2.25 million in 2020-21 and is expected to earn more than $5 million on the open market, which is far too much for the Maple Leafs, who are already strapped for cash.
The list of teams interested is too long for Hyman to compile, but a number are likely to be aggressive in their pursuit of the University of Michigan product. The Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams interested in his services, with the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators also showing interest. When July 28 rolls around, the competition will be fierce, and the Maple Leafs will have their work cut out for them if they want Hyman back on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
