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Hyman took a massive leap forward with 36 goals and 47 assists in 2022-23, 29 points better than any other season in his career. The winger benefited from a full-time top-six gig as well as a spot on the Oilers' top power-play unit, where he racked up 26 of his points. Shooting 13.0 percent isn't a concern -- it's in line for Hyman's career rate -- but it'll be interesting to see if he can continue to pump over three shots on net per game. The 31-year-old winger still has enough grit in his game to supplement his scoring, but it can also cost him some action if he gets hurt. Another career year is probably asking too much, but Hyman's role in the Oilers' top-six makes a 70-point campaign in 2023-24 easily within reach.
Hyman bolted for Edmonton a season ago after six years in Toronto, hoping for a bump in usage alongside the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Hyman got his wish, and the result was new career highs in goals (27), assists (27), points (54), shots on goal (213), average time on ice (19:28) and power-play points (10). Hyman also had an exceptionally strong run in the Oilers' run to the Western Conference Finals, posting 11 goals and 16 points in 16 playoff games. Hyman is an ideal complementary forward. He's talented enough to play alongside stars like McDavid and Draisaitl and can kill penalties if asked. The production we saw from Hyman a season ago seems like a good baseline regarding what to expect from him moving forward.
After enjoying a few years on the wing of Auston Matthews, Hyman left Toronto in free agency to link up with Connor McDavid and the Oilers. A big-bodied winger, Hyman figures to make his new seven-year contract worth the money by going to the net front and in the corners to set up his linemates. He'll be able to play up and down the lineup, but he's got a very good chance of flanking either McDavid or Leon Draisaitl while also taking over for James Neal and Alex Chiasson as the fifth part of the top power-play unit. While Hyman has shown 40-point potential in the past, 2021-22 could be the year he pushes closer to 50 points, 150 shots on goal and 100 hits, which makes him worth a look in the middle-to-late rounds of fantasy drafts.
Hyman may just be the league's luckiest role player -- 28 of his 37 scoring plays in 2019-20 featured either Auston Matthews or Mitch Marner. On his own, Hyman's a good middle-six winger, but playing with two of the league's most-talented forwards will increase anyone's offensive production. His spot on the second power-play unit won't be guaranteed in 2020-21, so if he's unable to beat out Jimmy Vesey or Nick Robertson for that job, his overall production will obviously suffer. Either way, Hyman's top-six assignment on the Leafs will make him worthy of a mid-to-late-round pick in most fantasy formats.
Hyman delivered his first 20-plus goal season while skating alongside Mitch Marner and John Tavares in 2018-19. It was his second straight season with at least 40 points, so Hyman clearly offers some fantasy value in deep formats. However, he's still recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) he suffered during the playoffs. Hyman wants to be ready for opening night, but don't count on it. Wait for him to get his legs back under him before you pluck him off the wire, but buyer beware -- he may end up on the third line.
Hyman is the ultimate team player. He'll do whatever his coach asks without question. Last season was just his second and coach Mike Babcock trusted him to skate with Auston Matthews. Hyman responded with a career-best 40 points in 82 games. This season -- his third -- should find Hyman skating alongside John Tavares and Mitch Marner. The former is an elite 200-foot player; the latter, an elite playmaker. Hyman's responsible, thoughtful game will always put him in the right place at the right time. Another career mark is about to come -- just don't count on him for power-play production, as there are too many stars who'll eat up time there. Still, Hyman could be a productive 45-50 point roster filler on a championship fantasy team.
Hyman was the human torpedo on the Leafs' top line last season. He used his speed to pressure opposing defenders on the forecheck and that popped pucks loose to Auston Matthews. Sweet gig. Hyman’s game isn't perfectly suited for top-line duty, but his versatility allows coach Mike Babcock to roll varying line combinations. This season, he'll move down the lineup and likely settle permanently on the third or fourth line. There, his speed and tenacity will create chaos for opposing defenders but won't translate to fantasy success.