Zach Hyman’s injury has created another problem for the Edmonton Oilers, with the veteran forward expected to miss around two weeks.
Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels provided the update Thursday, confirming Hyman would miss the game against the Vancouver Canucks, a rematch of the season opener.
“Hyman won’t play tonight, an approximate timeline of two weeks,” Michaels wrote on X. “Occurred in the preseason finale vs Calgary.”
Hyman suffered the undisclosed injury during Edmonton’s final NHL preseason game against Calgary. His expected recovery timeline means he could miss at least the next six games.
The timing creates another challenge for new head coach Mike Babcock. Edmonton is already without Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who remains on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.
With Hyman unavailable, Max Jones is expected to receive an expanded role in Edmonton’s top six. The Oilers will need additional production while two experienced forwards remain sidelined.
Hyman has become an important part of Edmonton’s offense since signing with the team in 2021. His net-front presence and chemistry with Connor McDavid have made him a consistent scoring threat.
Once healthy, Hyman is expected to return to McDavid’s wing.
That role has produced significant results for Hyman during his time with Edmonton. He has developed into one of the team’s most reliable finishers around the net.
For now, however, the Oilers must adjust without him.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Hyman’s absence also comes during the early stages of Babcock’s tenure behind the Edmonton bench. The coach will have to manage his forward combinations while several players work back toward full health.
The Oilers will hope Hyman’s two-week timeline remains accurate. If he follows that schedule, Edmonton could have him back relatively soon.
Until then, Jones and the rest of Edmonton’s forward group will have to fill the void left by one of McDavid’s most productive wingers.
