Rumor: Zach Hyman Pricing Himself Off Toronto Maple Leafs Roster

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to talk contract extension with Zach Hyman's representatives and the early word is, it's not looking good for him returning to the club. The Leafs have some holes to fill with limited cap space, and apparently Hyman isn't interested in signing something team-friendly.

Last season the two-way forward made $2.25 million and the asking price appears to be over $5 million per. Hefty price tag for someone who has never put up more than 41 points in a season. The Leafs want him back to say the least and are willing to go longer-term if it means they lower his annual salary.

It would be stupid for Hyman to not hit the open market on July 28th, as he's going to be one of the most sought after free agents. At 29 he's still in his prime, and his work ethic is off the charts and something many teams could use more of.

Look for Hyman to receive huge offers from the likes of the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings. Sounds like one team is going to overpay this summer and at this point it doesn't appear to be the Maple Leafs.

Don’t know if it still works, but Toronto liked Tyler Bertuzzi this season — moving elsewhere when it became obvious he wasn’t going to be healthy. Barring a major change, Zach Hyman won’t be back with the Maple Leafs, a big loss for them. It’s expected Detroit will be among his pursuers, although the Red Wings won’t be the only ones. - Elliotte Friedman, 31 Thoughts