3. The grinders can be difference-makers
Connor Brown and Zach Hyman are two strangely polarizing figures among Leafs fans. Neither demonstrate the elite “sixth sense” of a Nylander, Marner or Matthews, but both are relied upon to clock in big minutes.
Central to this debate is the degree to which Babcock trusts the Buds’ two young grinders. Some argue that their elevated role in the Leafs’ lineup reflects a mismanagement of assets. Hyman’s placement on the top line, in particular, is one of the most contentious subjects within #LeafsNation.
Nevertheless, Babcock rarely backs off from an opportunity to compliment the Toronto natives:
Babcock on Hyman & Brown: "Even though you don't consider them veterans, they're veteran-like people with veteran-like habits"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 18, 2017
Mike Babcock called Zach Hyman "as good a forechecker as there is in the league." Said he and Brown set tone for team's work ethic each day.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) January 6, 2017
Babcock calls Brown and Hyman two of the hardest working players he's been around.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) November 18, 2016
Babs on Dermott's evolution and playing to his potential: "Number one is, every time I came in here this summer, he was working like Hyman and Brown. So that separates you in overtime, that separates you from the group."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) January 9, 2018
probably the highest compliment that babcock ever bestows
If the Leafs’ first-round series taught the hockey world anything about the Buds’ offense that it did not yet know, it was that Hyman and Brown are two forces that can be incredibly frustrating to match up against. While the aforementioned struggles of Matthews and Nylander served as a recurring point of frustration for Toronto’s fans, Hyman’s relentless two-way game was quite the silver lining. There’s no question that the Bruins hated playing against him, as he married timely offense with defensive responsibility.
Awesome show of strength and speed from Hyman to tie it pic.twitter.com/MEEFAHltuy
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 12, 2018
Brown was also one of the unsung heroes of the postseason. Babcock eventually moved him to the Leafs’ top line so as to throw off the Bruins’ matchups. The shift worked almost immediately, as the presence of both grinders on the wings opened up more room for Matthews, whose wraparound was banged home by Brown to give the Leafs an early lead in Game 5.
That Hyman and Brown have proven their ability to play competitive playoff hockey makes their combined cap hit at $4.35 million look like one of the NHL’s finest steals. Expect the Leafs’ young grinders to continue to gain the respect that they deserve in the upcoming season.