Zach Hyman had a spectacular 2023-24 season. The Oilers forward, playing alongside Connor McDavid, scored no less than 54 goals in the regular season before adding 16 more in the playoffs.
This led some to refer to it as a “70-goal season”.
Of course, much of Hyman’s success can be attributed to playing with Connor McDavid, but Hyman deserves his share of credit. He’s not afraid to go into the pay zones, and that’s why he’s been so successful.
It may not require being the most talented, but it does require consistent effort and a willingness to sacrifice.
That said, Edmonton journalist Jim Matheson seems to have really respected the Oilers forward’s “70-goal season”. In fact, he doesn’t understand how anyone can rank Hyman behind Clayton Keller… and he’s “not sure” that William Nylander is better than his former Toronto teammate.
How is Keller better than Hyman who scored 70 goals this season. Not sure Nylander is better than Hyman either https://t.co/IgN8DA2nDI
– Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) July 7, 2024
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Of course, he’s entitled to his opinion, but despite Hyman’s big season in terms of goals, the fact remains that he’s only amassed 77 points in 80 games. Nylander, for his part, only scored 40 goals… but he came very close to reaching the 100-point plateau.
And I have the impression that Nylander’s success is much less attributable to his teammates than Hyman’s, who was greatly helped by McDavid.
Hyman is a solid hockey player, and he’s more willing to get his hands dirty than a guy like Nylander is willing to do. That said, in terms of sheer talent, the Maple Leafs forward is way ahead of his former teammate, which is why I have a little trouble with Matheson’s statement.
If I had to hire a star player to win a game, I’d take Nylander before Hyman, and I wouldn’t really hesitate between the two. Would you?
Overtime
– Really?
“I think he gets extended this off-season,” @JamieThomasTV on Ehlers. Now on @Sports1440
– Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) July 8, 2024
– That’s a good reason.
.@flapanthers 6th round draft pick Hunter St. Martin says his mom is afraid of wearing their team gear out in public.
The St. Martin’s live in Edmonton. pic.twitter.com/SbDzbAOLOv
– George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) July 8, 2024
– Colorado entry contract.
We’ve signed Calum Ritchie to a three-year entry-level contract. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/1kTcA94Yr7
– Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 8, 2024