Leafs coach reveals hilarious nickname for Zach Hyman

Tonight, Oilers forward Zach Hyman will be the star of the show while he takes on his former team in the Leafs.

The Leafs organization is thinking about Hyman on his return too, and more so thinking about the one who got away. Hyman is loved in Edmonton for the same traits he showed in Toronto: his dogged work ethic and total dedication to playing the right way makes a fan out of anyone - including Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. According to Keefe, they actually called him ‘Shaq Hyman' with Toronto's AHL team because Hyman could get into the paint.


It's a hilarious comparison and an apt one. Hyman's level of competition and willingness to battle for the front of the net is what makes him such a dominant player, and has translated to incredible offensive success with the Oilers. On his road to 50 this season, Hyman's scored countless tap ins on the back post while battling for position around the net. It really is a little bit like Shaquille O'Neal.



Fans took to the nickname and have been loving it on social media.


Two goals away from the incredible career milestone of 50, it'll be appointment television for fans to see these two teams match up. Hyman has burned the Leafs already by surpassing expectations wildly and becoming one of the best value players in the league. Who knows, tonight could even be a Stanley Cup Final preview.