Toronto Maple Leafs prospect drawing comparisons to Zach Hyman in the best way possible
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nick Moldenhauer was a third-round pick back in 2022, and now, there are scouts looking to compare him to Zach Hyman.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had some good prospects come through their ranks over the years, although there are certainly some guys who aren't a sure thing.
When it came to Zach Hyman a few years ago, the Leafs ultimately let the man walk, thinking that it wouldn't come back to bite them anytime soon.
In the end, however, it proved to be a big mistake, as Hyman went on to be a 50-goal scorer and someone who is incredibly necessary to the Oilers' success.
Thankfully, it appears as though the Leafs have found their next Zach Hyman, or at least that is what talent evaluator Byron Bader wants fans to believe.
Nick Moldenhauer compared to Zach Hyman
Nick Moldenhauer was the third-round pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Since that time, he has found himself at the University of Michigan.
Last season, he had just 10 points in 29 games. However, as Bader explains, Hyman was also someone whose offensive production was suspect in college. Yet somehow, he turned into a breakout NHL star.
Sure he's gotten there by seeing generous time with McDavid, Draisaitl, Matthews and/or Marner. But he's been able to stay in that top line support role with superstars for nearly a decade. So credit to him for that. He makes what he has to offer work at the highest level with some of the best players in the world. A new age Chris Kunitz.
Putting Moldenhauer side by side with a guy like Hyman is probably going to excite a lot of Maple Leafs fans out there, and rightfully so.
However, it is important not to get your hopes up about these kinds of things, as they can prove to be extremely misleading. At the end of the day, nothing is a sure thing, especially when it comes to a third-rounder.
The Leafs are going to have to help develop the kid first, and then slowly work his way into the organization's system. It's the only way any of this can work.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 424 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs prospect drawing comparisons to Zach Hyman in the best way possible Do you believe Nick Moldenhauer is going to be a star with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 166 | 39.2 % |
| NO | 258 | 60.8 % |
| List of polls | ||