Maple Leafs Bump Forward Into Zach Hyman-Like Return Role

When Zach Hyman was a member of the Maple Leafs lineup, he wasn’t the 50-goal scorer he became with the Edmonton Oilers. Not close. He was a hard-working, puck-digging forward whose job was to fight for pucks and move them to his more elite linemates. His scoring improved later as he gained confidence and played alongside talented teammates.

Of course, when Hyman was in Toronto, Hyman played with elite players. However, they were still morphing into what they later would become – as Hyman did. He often played with the top-six units, usually with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, now two of the league’s top players. There, as I noted, his role was to be the puck retriever. He never entered a half-wall battle he didn’t think he could win. Among the “diggers,” as his then-coach Mike Babcock said, “He’s good, aye?”

Steven Lorentz Shares Similar Qualities with Hyman

Steven Lorentz shares similar qualities. He’s a hard worker and a fast skater. He’s also not afraid of heading toward the boards at full steam after a puck. He relentlessly chases it down. Like Hyman, Lorentz excels in the gritty aspects of the game. The question remains: Can he replicate the same tasks—puck-digging and distributing—that carried the same positive impact Hyman brought to the Maple Leafs several years ago?

It looks as if Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube will give Lorentz that chance. Given the lack of offense over the team’s last two games, Berube will make some changes to the top six. Most interesting is his move of Lorentz to the first line alongside Matthews and Marner. This decision makes me wonder if Berube is attempting to replicate the impact Hyman once had in that role. Lorentz is excited by the chance and has spoken about how he plans to adapt his game to complement Matthews and Marner.

Lorentz Embraces a New Role

Lorentz admitted he felt “a little nervous at first” upon being promoted to the top line, acknowledging the pressure of playing alongside elite players like Matthews and Marner. Despite the initial nerves, Lorentz knows his role isn’t to match their high-end skill. Rather, it is to contribute in ways that support their offensive talents. 

Lorentz believes his focus should be on using his size and speed to win puck battles, retrieve loose pucks, and create space for his linemates. Doesn’t this sound exactly like the role Zach Hyman used to play (and excelled at) during his time with the Maple Leafs?

Comparing Lorentz and Hyman’s Playing Styles

Hyman was known for his relentless forechecking, physicality, and ability to win puck battles. Those skills plowed the ice to create scoring opportunities for others. Lorentz is embracing that same mindset. He recognizes that his job is to work in the corners, dig out the puck, and give it to Matthews and Marner. He then will work hard to create the space they need to conduct their two-player offense. 

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Can Lorentz do it? He anticipates one problem. In his interview, he mentioned the need to speed up his thinking to keep up with their fast, dynamic gameplay. Again, doesn’t this sound exactly like how Hyman made it all work?

Berube’s Strategy Sounds Like Such a Familiar Maple Leafs Formula

Craig Berube’s decision to elevate Lorentz is a calculated move to bring back a physical, hardworking presence to the top line. While many players have tried to fill that role with the team, it’s not as easy as it might sound. It’s a role that’s been hard to fill since Hyman headed west. 

By lifting Lorentz to this task, Berube will look to balance skill and grit. This would give Matthews and Marner a linemate who handles the dirty work in the tough spots and allow them to focus on putting up the offense. This blend of physicality and finesse has been a successful formula for the Maple Leafs before.

Can it be reprised? We’ll see tonight.

Related: Maple Leafs Pipeline Report: Grebenkin, Minten & Akhtyamov