Hyman knows he's lucky to play on a line with McDavid, a two-time winner of the Hart Trophy (2017, 2021), voted to the most valuable player in the NHL, and to have played on a line with Matthews, last season's Rocket Richard Trophy winner as the leading goal-scorer in the NHL.
"I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to play with both those guys," Hyman said. "Not many guys can say that so it's very, very cool. And yeah, they're very, very unique, generational-type players."
With the game against his former team approaching, Hyman discussed the Maple Leafs, the differences in the games of McDavid and Matthews, and his time in Toronto in a Q&A with NHL.com.
You said your wife Alannah circled Dec.14 on the calendar when the schedule first came out as your first game against the Maple Leafs. Then you hurt your shoulder three days before that game and couldn't play. How much of a roller coaster ride was that?
"My timing wasn't great, was it? Truthfully it [stunk] having to be on the sidelines and watch that game. But I feel good now and I'm excited about the game."
Are you going to have butterflies Wednesday?
"I'm sure I will. I'm playing against guys who were my teammates six months ago."
Do you still keep in touch with those Toronto teammates? If so, who do you talk to the most?
"Yeah, I keep in touch with those guys a ton. I'm probably in touch with [Jason Spezza] the most, about hockey, about life things, things like that."
What have you seen from the Maple Leafs this season?
"Obviously they got off to a slow start and everybody kind of got on them, which is usually the case. But they've really, really turned it around and are one of the best teams in the League so it's going to be a big test for us."
How do you look back on your time in Toronto and the Maple Leafs organization?
"I mean, very appreciative. They gave me a chance to get started and start my career in my hometown. Obviously it was a childhood dream and the dream of all my friends. It was very, very cool and special and it was a fun time in my life. Now onto the next chapter, and where I am in my life, Edmonton is a great spot to be."
You've been linemates with McDavid with Edmonton and Matthews with Toronto. Can you break down the similarities and differences in their respective games?
"They're both elite players obviously. They are also really different players. Auston, he can really use his shot. His release, he can do it in so many ways, whether the puck is in his feet, outside his hands. His ability to, when you get the puck to him, to get the puck off and shoot it, one of the best in the League in his ability to get the puck on and off the stick and shoot it no matter where you place it. And obviously an elite shooter, an elite goal-scorer who can do all those things really strong. He's just a dynamic scoring centerman that can really get the puck off from any angle. And then you look at Connor and he's just this dynamic pass-first goal-scorer where he's able to create so many individual chances. Take guys on 1-on-1, 1-on-2, 1-on-3, whatever the case may be, and just uses his speed to create so much offense. So I think they're very unique and different but obviously very special players."
Have you had one of those moments with McDavid yet where you shake your head and say, "Did he just do that? Did that just happen?"
"The goal where he skated through the entire Rangers team [Nov. 5]for sure. I think just the nature of that game. It was Kevin Lowe's number retirement night, we were down, and he goes and does that. You're on the bench and just look at the guys beside you and you're like, 'Only he can make a play like that,' 1-on-4 in a big moment to tie the game. Pretty crazy."
