Early in the season, the Edmonton Oilers were surrounded by more questions than answers, from streaky play to inconsistent scoring and constant line shuffling. The team has shown flashes of its usual dominance, but sustaining momentum has been a struggle. Now, with a key forward nearing a return, the focus has shifted toward patience rather than urgency.
Are the Edmonton Oilers Playing It Smart by Waiting on Their Key Player?
That player is Zach Hyman. The veteran winger has been skating with the team and looks close to full speed, but he won’t be in the lineup Saturday against Chicago, the earliest date he could have come off long-term injured reserve. According to analyst Jason Gregor, the earliest he could play is Saturday, Nov. 8.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch said the decision wasn’t about form but foresight. “He looks ready to go. I want to put him in,” Knoblauch joked. “Our medical staff is holding him back. I don’t think it’s fair.”
Hyman has missed the start of the season recovering from a dislocated wrist suffered during last year’s Western Conference Final. He admitted that while he feels ready, the medical team is right to be cautious.
“I’m ready to go because that’s how I feel,” he said. “Having said that, they know more than I do. I feel really good. I feel close.”
The injury ended Hyman’s career-best campaign. He scored 54 goals across the regular season and playoffs, matching Auston Matthews for the NHL lead. His absence has been felt both on the scoresheet and in the locker room.
Connor McDavid called him as someone who “provides a lot of things that we’ve been looking for,” and said the team has missed his energy.
Zach Hyman’s Return Could Reignite the Edmonton Oilers
Through 11 games, the Oilers sit at 5-4-2, a record that doesn’t quite reflect the team’s potential.
Knoblauch noted that the team’s balance has been off without him. “Zach is as good as anyone scoring goals, so he gives us some depth there. With our team, a little tenacity, a little grit and getting in on the forecheck would help with that.”
In his absence, the Oilers have experimented with different combinations alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, with mixed results. The lack of chemistry has been evident at times, and the power play hasn’t looked as sharp without Hyman’s presence near the crease.
Hyman said he’s eager to rejoin a group that seems to be finding its rhythm again. “I feel great. I feel refreshed, honestly. Mentally refreshed, physically refreshed,” he said.
“We have so many guys who are really important and hockey’s such a fine line with margins. One guy can help the team make a difference and I hope that that’s the case when I come back. That’s the type of player that I want to be as a difference maker…It’s all about helping the team win,” he added.
The Oilers are content to wait a little longer. They know how much Hyman means to their success and that rushing him back isn’t worth the risk. A healthy return could be the turning point in a season that’s still finding its direction.
