Zach Hyman has seen plenty of change in Edmonton over the past few years, but this offseason, one move stood out enough for him to speak up about.
The Oilers forward gave his thoughts on the team’s decision to bring in former Calgary Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane during his sixth annual charitable golf tournament this week.
Zach Hyman Speaks on Oilers’ Big Offseason Signing, Andrew Mangiapane
Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million deal with the Oilers in free agency, turning heads across the league with his choice. For Hyman, the addition brings a welcome edge.
“We definitely are familiar with Mangiapane, having played in Calgary for a long time,” Hyman said. “Just a feisty player, plays with a competitive edge and can score goals and isn’t afraid to get in the corners and win puck battles.”
The 29-year-old winger joins Edmonton after spending last season with the Washington Capitals. Though his scoring dipped to 28 points in 81 games, his defensive value remained high.
TWO SCORING CHANCES FOR THE STARS TURN INTO A GOAL FOR ZACH HYMAN ON THE OTHER END 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xicnJ9ggnE
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2025
“He’s really the ultimate versatile player in our top six, so we don’t know which center he’ll mesh the best with, but we know it’s going to be one of those two. We definitely see him playing in our top two lines and contributing on our special teams as well. We know he can play on the power play, so we’ve got flexibility there as well,” Oilers GM & Executive VP of Hockey Operations Stan Bowman said.
Now, he’s expected to take on a bigger role in the Oilers’ middle six, potentially even slotting alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl depending on how the lineup shakes out.
“Overall, he checks all the boxes for the type of player and is going to bring a lot to the table with our group. I think he’ll be a big addition,” Bowman shared.
Zach Hyman Delivers An Injury Update For 2025-26
While speaking with the media, Hyman also addressed his fitness following a wrist injury he sustained in the 2025 Western Conference Final against Dallas.
A hit from Mason Marchment resulted in a dislocation and multiple torn ligaments, forcing Hyman to miss the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.
Zach Hyman heads to the dressing room after taking a hit from Mason Marchment pic.twitter.com/pKJcoL5qxm
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 28, 2025
“It was hard in the Final not being able to help,” Hyman said. “You feel helpless. Watching those games was super stressful.”
He underwent surgery in early June and has been wearing a brace throughout the recovery. Though no official return date has been set, Hyman is optimistic about being ready for the start of the season.
“Once you set a date, you get disappointed if you don’t play on the date,” he said. “I hope to play on opening night.”
Last season, Hyman registered 27 goals and 17 assists in 73 games and added 11 points during the playoffs. As the Oilers chase another deep run, his physical presence and scoring touch will be critical.
