3 Possible Destinations for Zach Hyman if Maple Leafs Let Him Walk

James Mirtle of the Athletic stirred the pot of Leafs Nation this week with his report out of The Athletic saying it doesn't feel like Zach Hyman will be signing a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the work horse hits the open market, there's going to be a bidding war and Hyman's going to get paid much more than is $2.25 million this season.

3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Zach Hyman

Edmonton Oilers: Oilers general manager Ken Holland would likely try to be the first phone call Hyman accepts and he probably wouldn't hang up until a deal was done. Hyman is the perfect line mate for super skilled players because of his work ethic and ability to retrieve pucks from the dirty areas. Hyman and Connor McDavid would be fun to watch. Would this spell the end for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? 

Detroit Red Wings: Hyman went to Michigan and Detroit is reasonably close to Toronto where most of Hyman's family resides. The Red Wings would be the perfect opportunity for Hyman to step into top-line minutes and be relied on to play a bigger role. His career high 21 goals would likely hit 30 plus with more ice-time and Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would have that in his back pocket to offer.

Los Angeles Kings: Kings general manager Rob Blake wants to sign a top six forward and trade for another. Hyman would be a wonderful compliment to Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown on a top-line that would be very hard to play against. The Kings have over $20 million of cap space to work with and already have 18 players under contract for next season. If it comes down to money, the most money may come from the beaches of California.

The knock on Hyman is he's only recorded five goals in 32 Stanley Cup Playoff game and is one of the many storylines that come out of Toronto. When you haven't been out of the first round in almost 20 years, they focus in on everything.

If he's willing to take a home-town discount, you can expect to see Hyman in a Leafs jersey next season. If he's after money, it's going to come from another team and the Oilers, Red Wings and especially the Kings could be the team handing over the cash.

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