The Florida Panthers announced this afternoon that they’ve traded pending UFA Zach Hyman and a conditional 2017 seventh-round draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for center Greg McKegg. It was reported over a month ago that Zack Hyman, who just finished up a breakout senior year with the University of Michigan, was not interested in signing a contract with the Panthers.
The Panthers had until August 15 to sign Hyman however it was believed they couldn’t reach an agreement, and now he must sign with the Leafs by that same deadline or he’ll become a free-agent. Hyman was drafted in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL Draft and produced 54 points in 37 games with the University of Michigan. George Richards of the Miami Herald says the Panthers could have signed Hyman and given him a spot in the NHL in lieu of the AHL, but GM Dale Tallon said no. Richards also says the team believed there are already too many players in the AHL that deserve to be on the Panthers’ main roster but aren’t yet.
Word is #FlaPanthers could have signed C Zach Hyman had they let him skip AHL and brought him to NHL in March/April. Dale Tallon said no.
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George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) June 19, 2015#FlaPanthers reasoning was too many players in San Antonio deserved chance to be up with team and were not. 2/2
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George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) June 19, 2015BTW, conditional pick in FLA/TOR deal is if Hyman does not sign. Wouldn't count on it.
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Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 19, 2015Greg McKegg was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 Draft by the Maple Leafs and has been a steady offensive performer for the Leafs AHL affiliate, having most recently tallied 37 points in 62 games for the Marlies. The 23-year-old Ontario-native has played 3 full AHL seasons as well as only 4 NHL games, and he’ll bring even more offense to what is shaping up to be a very good Portland Pirates lineup.
Good riddance.
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