Latest Maple Leafs News: Hyman and Andersen Updates

The news on Zach Hyman hasn’t changed. According to many sources, he’ll be headed to free agency on July 28th. Not great news for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but at the same time, probably not a huge surprise considering the team has likely been expecting this for weeks. Where he signs, and what he ultimately signs for is unknown, but it’s probably going to be for more than the Maple Leafs were willing to pay, if they could have afforded him.

Weeks ago, as per James Mirtle of The Athletic wrote:

Unrestricted free agency opens six weeks from today across the NHL. There remains time for the above to be true and for the two sides to meet and work something out. But the more I’ve talked to people around the team in the weeks since the Leafs’ season ended in ugly fashion, the less that feels like where we’re headed.

Mirtle then added that he would be shocked if the two sides (Toronto and Hyman) worked something out. Today’s reports by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun seem to confirm that’s still the case. LeBrun wrote, “Subject to change, of course, but all signs pointing to pending UFA Zach Hyman heading to market July 28.” He added, “Sizeable gap in positions with Leafs at the moment. Which was the expectation given his market value and Leafs’ cap situation.”

Subject to change, of course, but all signs pointing to pending UFA Zach Hyman heading to market July 28. Sizeable gap in positions with Leafs at the moment. Which was the expectation given his market value and Leafs' cap situation.@TSNHockey @TheAthletic

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 14, 2021

Darren Dreger said during a radio hit with TSN today, the Leafs aren’t going to go above a certain price point and four years, $5 million is about the most the Leafs will offer; basically a total of $20 million. “I feel Toronto would be comfortable in around that territory.” Dreger didn’t think a four-year deal for Hyman at $5 million might be enough to encourage Hyman to take another look and consider the Leafs. Still, Hyman has earned the right to go to free agency.

What About Frederik Andersen?

Hyman isn’t the only player the Maple Leafs have questions about and could ultimately need to replace. LeBrun offered an update on goaltender Frederik Andersen and wrote, “There’s been talks between Leafs and Frederik Andersen’s camp but no contract offer, I’m told.”

Even if there was something pending between the goaltender and the team, it wouldn’t make sense to try to sign him before the expansion draft as it would force a decision on which netminder to protect. Still, LeBrun notes, “But all things being equal, probably more likely Andersen sees what’s out there July 28 (while keeping Tor door open).”

Subject to change, of course, but all signs pointing to pending UFA Zach Hyman heading to market July 28. Sizeable gap in positions with Leafs at the moment. Which was the expectation given his market value and Leafs' cap situation.@TSNHockey @TheAthletic

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 14, 2021

Could deals with Hyman and Andersen theoretically get done and the Maple Leafs retain one or both players? Sure. But, according to most insiders and multiple reports, it doesn’t seem likely. We’ll see what that looks like after these players get a chance to talk to other teams. If the offers aren’t right, maybe they look at sticking in Toronto.

Next: Bruins and Brandon Carlo Reach Deal on Contract Extension [Report]