Craig Berube Makes Shocking Unveiling: Zack Hyman Is Returning to Toronto Maple Leafs….
By TSN Hockey Desk | June 15, 2025
In a jaw-dropping announcement that electrified the hockey world and reignited hope throughout the city of Toronto, newly appointed Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube unveiled one of the most unexpected and emotional player returns in recent franchise history: Zack Hyman is coming home.
Standing behind a podium at Scotiabank Arena, with the iconic Leafs crest glistening behind him, Berube made the declaration with a calm smile that barely masked the magnitude of the announcement.
“I told you changes were coming,” Berube began. “And now, I’m proud to unveil the return of a true warrior. Zack Hyman is once again a Toronto Maple Leaf.”
The crowd in the press room gasped. Within minutes, social media exploded. Leafs fans, many still reeling from the team’s latest playoff heartbreak, were suddenly filled with hope, pride, and renewed belief.
—
The Emotional Return of a Toronto Hero
Zack Hyman, now 33, was once the heartbeat of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Drafted by the Florida Panthers but traded to Toronto before making his NHL debut, Hyman developed into one of the league’s most dependable two-way forwards. Known for his relentless forechecking, fearless net-front presence, and selfless team-first attitude, Hyman spent six seasons with the Leafs before departing for the Edmonton Oilers in free agency in 2021.
Though his move to Edmonton was amicable, it left a void in Toronto’s lineup and in the hearts of fans. Over four seasons with the Oilers, Hyman flourished—posting career-best numbers, contributing in deep playoff runs, and emerging as a vocal leader in the locker room.
But now, as he steps back into the spotlight in Toronto, it’s clear this return is about more than hockey. It’s about closure. It’s about home. And it’s about destiny.
—
Berube’s Vision: A Culture Shift Begins
Craig Berube’s appointment as head coach earlier this year signaled a cultural reset for the Maple Leafs. Known for his no-nonsense demeanor, defensive structure, and ability to galvanize locker rooms, Berube wasted no time making his mark.
“I’ve always admired Zack’s game—from the other bench, I saw what he brought night after night,” Berube said during the press conference. “This is a guy who bleeds for the crest on his chest. We need that energy. That hunger. That unshakable resolve. That’s what I’m building here.”
Berube emphasized that Hyman’s return is not a PR move or a nostalgic decision. Rather, it’s part of a greater plan to retool the identity of the Maple Leafs, one built on grit, discipline, and accountability.
“He’s coming back to win,” Berube continued. “And we’re going to win with him.”
—
Zack Hyman Speaks: ‘I Never Stopped Being a Leaf’
Moments after the announcement, Zack Hyman took the stage, wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jacket and a beaming smile that spoke louder than words. As cameras flashed and reporters leaned in, Hyman’s voice cracked with emotion.
“I never stopped being a Leaf,” he said. “Even when I was wearing another jersey, this city, this team—it’s in my blood. I’m back where I belong.”
When asked what convinced him to return, Hyman didn’t hesitate.
“It’s the right time. The right coach. The right mission. My family is here. My heart is here. I had great years in Edmonton, and I’ll always be grateful. But this… this is personal.”
Sources report that Hyman turned down more lucrative offers from Western Conference contenders to rejoin the Maple Leafs on a three-year deal worth $17.5 million. For Hyman, money was never the motivator. “I’m here to finish what we started,” he said.
—
Fan Reaction: A City Reignited
Toronto, a city where hockey isn’t just a sport but a way of life, reacted with unfiltered joy.
Jerseys bearing Hyman’s name flew off the shelves within hours. Bars and cafes played clips of his past highlights on repeat. Fans flooded social media with posts tagged #HymanIsBack and #BerubeEra, reflecting a growing optimism not seen in years.
Megan Rothwell, a lifelong Leafs fan, said: “This changes everything. We always missed Zack’s energy and work ethic. His return feels like the first real step in chasing the Cup again.”
Former teammate and Leafs captain Auston Matthews posted a simple message on X (formerly Twitter): “Welcome home, brother. Let’s get to work.”
—
What Hyman Brings to the 2025-26 Leafs
Despite being in his early thirties, Zack Hyman remains in peak form. Last season with the Oilers, he recorded 31 goals and 42 assists in 78 games. More importantly, his presence in tight-checking playoff games proved invaluable, as he consistently battled in corners, won puck races, and provided secondary scoring.
With Berube’s system emphasizing defensive commitment, physicality, and resilience, Hyman fits like a glove.
Analysts predict Hyman will line up on the second line alongside Mitch Marner and John Tavares—two players he has shared strong chemistry with in the past. He’s also expected to anchor the penalty kill and serve as an emotional spark in the locker room.
TSN analyst Darren Dreger summarized it best: “You want to change a team’s identity? You bring in a guy like Zack Hyman. You bring back heart.”
—
The Bigger Picture: A Blueprint for Championship Aspirations
For years, the Maple Leafs have been a team that dazzled in the regular season and faltered in the playoffs. Critics often blamed a lack of grit, mental toughness, or clutch performances under pressure.
With the return of Zack Hyman and the leadership of Craig Berube, the narrative might finally shift.
This off-season has already seen a series of strategic moves from GM Brad Treliving, including reinforcing the blue line and exploring goaltending upgrades. But Hyman’s return might be the emotional catalyst that reignites belief—in the locker room and beyond.
“He’s a soldier,” Berube said. “And soldiers lead battles. This is our war now. And we intend to fight till the end.”
—
What’s Next?
Hyman’s return will be formally celebrated with a special tribute during the Leafs’ first preseason home game, where the crowd is expected to give him a thunderous standing ovation.
Training camp opens in late August, and insiders suggest Berube will waste no time setting the tone for the new season. Practices will be grittier. The mindset: playoff mode from Day One.
As for Hyman?
“I’m not here to relive the past,” he said. “I’m here to rewrite the ending.”
And with that, Toronto dares to believe again.
—
Written by:
TSN Hockey Staff | Reporting by Chris Johnston & Kristen Shilton
Photos: Maple Leafs Media Department / Getty Images
Tags: #CraigBerube #ZackHymanReturns #TorontoMapleLeafs #BerubeUnveiling #LeafsForever #NHL2025
Leave a Reply