Toronto native signs two-way contract with Leafs

Zach Hyman inked his deal earlier this week.

TORONTO — When Zach Hyman isn’t busy playing hockey, practising hockey or training for hockey, he’s busy writing books whose themes can readily be applied to hockey.

Though only 23, Hyman has already authored two books aimed at young people. The first was Hockey Hero, the second is The Bambino and Me. Both have the recurring themes of believing in yourself and following your dreams.

This week, the personable Toronto native got a double dose of good news that went a long way toward realizing his own dreams. First, the Florida Panthers, who drafted him in the fifth round of the 2010 entry draft, traded his rights to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then, a few days later, Hyman signed an entry-level contract with the hometown team. It’s a two-year, two-way deal, which means his salary will vary depending on whether he plays with the Leafs or their farm team, the Marlies. But either way, he’ll be living in Toronto and wearing Toronto blue.

“It’s a dream come true. Me, all my friends, my brother grew up watching the Leafs,” he said, adding that getting to suit up for the Leafs is an honour and privilege.

It also took a lot of hard work and plenty of skill that most players don’t possess.

Last spring Hyman completed his fourth and final year of U.S. NCAA Division 1 hockey, playing for the University of Michigan Wolverines. He had a breakout year. Skating on a line with highly touted prospect Dylan Larkin, who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, he scored 22 goals and 54 points in 37 games.

He played in every situation, including the power play and penalty kill, and his season was so good, he led the voting for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award for most of the season. (In the end, the MVP-type award went to Jack Eichel, considered, along with Connor McDavid, to be a generational player.)

Hyman’s coach, Red Berenson, had glowing things to say about Hyman, noting his growth as a player and the leadership role he assumed for the Wolverines.

It was about half way through his third year with the Wolverines that things began to click, Hyman said. He scored 14 points in 15 games as the season wound down.

The improvement moved him up the depth chart, and in his fourth and final year, he assumed the leadership role that Berenson wants from his older players. He was voted assistant captain and accepted the role and the pressure of being a senior with aplomb.

He was paired with Larkin from Day 1. “There was great chemistry,” Hyman said. “We’re both fast, strong, able to read off each other.”

Alex Voihanski has been watching Hyman’s growth as a hockey player for years. Currently president of PPI Hockey, he also managed the Canadian hockey team at the 2013 Maccabiah Games. Hyman was a key part of that team, he said.

“He’s an exceptionally creative hockey player who excelled along the boards. He’s got very good speed and can fit in the top nine of any team. He’s NHL ready,” Voihanski said.

Coming to the Leafs, a team in transition, offers plenty of opportunity for a young player like Hyman. Though he won’t say it, it’s an opportunity he may not have had with Florida.

A fifth rounder on a team experiencing its own youth movement, he’d likely find himself lower on the depth chart than more highly touted, and higher, draft picks. He was set to become a free agent on Aug. 15, and his camp made it clear that he didn’t intend to sign with Florida.

Over the years, Hyman attended Florida’s summer development camps, and one of the things they teach young players is how to present themselves and deal with the media. He’s learned that lesson well. “It’s a great organization with great people there,” he said of the Panthers. “But we made a family decision not to be with the Panthers.”

They had planned to wait until August to explore other options, but when the Leafs came calling, it was a no-brainer to sign with them. The contract is pretty much standard and there are no doubt going to be openings on the team for a talented and driven youngster who has plenty of flash and dash to demonstrate.

“It’s a special opportunity to join the organization,” Hyman said.

Looks like if you believe in yourself, some dreams do come true.