Why Zach Hyman Will Sign An ELC With Florida Panthers, Not Become Free Agent

After Saturday night’s game between the Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadians finished up in exciting fashion, the fans were treated to less than exciting news regarding one of Florida’s top prospects.

According to Elliotte Friedman, an analyst for Sportsnet, University of Michigan F Zach Hyman is not expected to come to terms with the Florida Panthers, and thus will become a free agent. Per Even Peaslee of Sportsnet:

The 22-year-old University of Michigan forward was a 2010 fifth round pick by the Florida Panthers, but it appears unlikely the two sides will come to an agreement before the deadline, allowing Hyman to become a free agent.“At this point in time there’s some doubt that the Panthers are going to be able to get it done,” Friedman said during the second intermission’s Headlines segment. “If Florida does not sign him by August 16th he’s an unrestricted free agent.”

The real question is, where has Mr. Friedman heard rumblings that the Panthers and Zach Hyman’s camp are not close to agreeing upon a contract? Elliotte did not list any sources, and even failed to mention that he has heard this nugget of information from a source, in his interview. Therefore, it is one analyst’s word against everyone else.

Florida Panthers

Alas, it is no secret that Florida’s depth at right-wing leaves much to be desired. Currently on the roster, the Panthers have an abundance of centers that are forced to play on either wing in order to remain in the lineup, such as Brandon Pirri and, at times, Vincent Trocheck. That is due to the fact that the organization lacks a lot of depth at right-wing. In the minor leagues, you have Rocco Grimaldi, Logan Shaw, Joe Basaraba, and Bobby Butler. And then in the NCAA, you have Zach Hyman. That’s it, folks.

Zach Hyman erupted this year with 22 goals and 54 points in the 37 games that he has played. The senior right-wing was also named as a finalist for the Hobey Baker award as the best mens NCAA hockey player. Hyman was also named to the 2014-15 All-Big 10 First team. This is a guy that has never scored more than seven goals in a single season before this year. This is a guy that has not earned more than 17 points in a season before this year. For this player to just explode this season with career highs in every statistic categories is a huge positive.

Therefore, it is of great importance for the Panthers to lock up Zach Hyman for the future. Their lack of right-wing depth is very troubling and will greatly hinder the team going forward if the team lets Hyman become a free agent. Since the team has over five months to sign him, there is plenty of time for the team to agree to terms with one of the nation’s greatest collegiate hockey players.

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Next: University of Minnesota F Kyle Rau Inks Long-Awaited ELC With Florida Panthers

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