NHL prospect evaluator suggests that the Maple Leafs may have found their next Zach Hyman

A flat cap and the need to prioritize other needs led to the Leafs letting Zach Hyman walk in free agency.

A year after Hyman left, the Leafs drafted Oakville, Ontario native Nick Moldenhauer in the third round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Currently in his third season at the University of Michigan, the 21-year-old has been drawing comparisons in his development path to that of Hyman.

Prospect evaluator Byron Bader did a deep dive into his progression and noted that the 21-year-old is trending similarly, or better than Hyman had been while at the University of Michigan.

Moldenhauer is property of the Leafs until August of 2027, so he will have the rest of this season and next to prove to the Leafs he is deserving of a contract. While his production has tailed off since his first season at Michigan, the 21-year-old has become a more complete player.

Hyman and Moldenhauer are two very different players in terms of style of play. However, if Moldenhauer can have a big offensive jump the way Hyman did in his fourth year, the Leafs would be foolish not to give him an opportunity with the Marlies.

What the 2022 third-round pick amounts to at the pro level remains unclear, but the hope is that if given an opportunity with a depleted prospect pool, he will adapt and thrive.