Edmonton Oilers
Long-Shot Oiler Has Forced Himself Into Team Canada Conversation
Edmonton Oilers’ forward Zach Hyman has really forced his way into the Team Canada conversation, says a trusted NHL insider.
According to Bob Stauffer and Elliotte Friedman, Zach Hyman has put himself on Team Canada’s radar as the team prepares its official lineup for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Set to announce the team on New Year’s Eve, Hyman wasn’t a favorite to land a spot. He still might not make the team, but if he doesn’t, it will only be after serious back-and-forth from Team Canada managers.
Stauffer and his guests, including former GM Brian Lawton, discussed the odds of Evan Bouchard getting a spot. “I think it’s a shame if it doesn’t, because [Bouchard] deserves to be there in my opinion,” said Lawton. Stauffer agreed and argued that Bouchard was more deserving than some of the people Team Canada is likely to select.
However, he’s not convinced Bouchard gets the call.
Hyman, however, might. When Stauffer asked Friedman about Bouchard, the NHL insider shifted gears. Saying he burns a lot of goodwill asking about things like this, when he asked about Bouchard, his sources suggested he was focused on the wrong Oiler. They believe Hyman is the one with the better shot. “I heard [Hyman] really forced himself in the conversation,” said Friedman.
He wasn’t on the radar early because of the injury, but he made a strong late push. Friedman said he kept hearing the same thing: Hyman forced his way into the conversation. Down the stretch, his play really changed how people viewed him.
Next: Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Canucks
More News
