Hyman on Deadline Trades for Oilers: “This Is The Group Moving Forward”

Zach Hyman has been a standout performer for the Edmonton Oilers this season, especially amid a challenging campaign where the team sits at 30-25-8 (68 points) through 63 games. The Oilers currently sit third in the Pacific Division, and while they are in the mix for a playoff spot, many would argue that this team looks far less competitive than in seasons past.

Specifically, Hyman recently addressed the Oilers new additions of Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Colton Dach, and how they’ll help a team that still has a lot of belief.

---

“There’s an effort there to be better and we talk about it. It’s just a matter of going out there and doing it, and doing your job and trusting that other guys are going to out there and do their job,” said Hyman after the team’s recent 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Oilers added three players who know their job. They aren’t looking to be more than they aren’t or change their respective games. Murphy is a shutdown d-man, and Dickinson is a two-way forward who takes tough matchups and kills penalties.

Hyman believes that everyone will do their job and, eventually, it will all come together. He added, “I can’t give you a magic answer, otherwise we wouldn’t be 10 games in and five goals a game or whatever it is.”

Are the Oilers Starting to Get Frustrated?

He was asked how the Oilers are managing the stress of their recent poor performances. Hyman said, “This is the group moving forward, and it’s better than the group it was a couple of days ago. … We have a strong belief in this group. Obviously, things haven’t gone as expected or as planned. Having said that, if you look around the league and our division, it’s right there for us.”

Hyman is doing his part. His production, leadership, and value as a free-agent signing make a strong case for him being the franchise’s best-ever UFA acquisition. After returning from a serious injury that took him all summer to rehab, he’s on pace again for another standout season.

Hyman’s 27 goals in just 44 games this year match his entire output from 73 games in 2024-25 (27 goals, 17 assists, 44 points). This puts him on pace for around 50 goals over a full season, tying him for fourth in the NHL in goals despite missing the first month-plus due to a wrist injury recovery.

He’s leading the Oilers in goals and is a key driver of their offense. His 20.3% shooting percentage on 133 shots is elite, and he’s contributed 10 power-play goals and two game-winners. He’s notched nine points in his last five games.

In a season where the Oilers have struggled with consistency, Hyman’s 20:14 average ice time and reliable two-way play have been a stabilizing force. His recent comments only prove further that he’s the kind of teammate this struggling group needs right now. Signed to a seven-year, $5.5 million AAV deal in 2021, Hyman has far exceeded expectations, becoming the top-ranked free-agent signing in Oilers history.

Next: Oilers Insider Hints at Potential Offseason Trade for Goalie Prospect