Trevor Moore and Zach Hyman, once overlooked players in the NHL who rose to the top scorers for the Kings and Edmonton Oilers, have surpassed initial expectations set during their time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both players, Moore aged 29 and Hyman aged 31, have significantly outperformed their earlier statistics this season.
Hyman, who was a fifth-round draft pick, and Moore, who was undrafted, have shown remarkable improvements in their goal-scoring abilities. Hyman’s 54 goals this season led a roster with three Hart Trophy winners, while Moore’s 31 goals paced a talented Kings team.
Hyman, transitioning from 27 to 36 goals last season, continued his meteoric rise with an additional 18 markers this season. Similarly, Moore, who previously had a career-best of 17 goals, soared above the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career after two 10-goal campaigns.
In the first-round game between the Kings and the Edmonton Oilers, both Hyman and Moore showcased their goal-scoring prowess. While Hyman leads all postseason scorers with six goals in three games, Moore managed a late goal in Game 1 despite the team facing a significant deficit.
During their time with the Maple Leafs, Hyman and Moore played key roles on the team. Hyman supported Auston Matthews, a league MVP and goal-scoring champion, while in Edmonton, he partners with Connor McDavid, a five-time Art Ross Trophy winner.
Moore, on the other hand, looked up to players like Hyman and Connor Brown during his early days with the Maple Leafs. Both Moore and Hyman have inspired a new generation of players with their work ethics and dedication on and off the ice.
Hyman’s 54 goals this season set a new record for the most goals in a single season by a Jewish player in the NHL, surpassing former Kings player Mike Cammalleri. Players like Jack Hughes and Adam Fox are among the Jewish players who have recently made significant impacts in the league.
While players like Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe embraced the Kings emblem after growing up in Slovenia and Sweden respectively, Moore, a Southern California native, has proudly represented the Kings from a young age.
The achievements of players like Moore and Hyman reflect the growth of hockey in regions not traditionally associated with the sport. Their success is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for their teammates and fans.
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