Hyman’s Return Could Reignite the Oilers — But at a Heavy Cost

Zach Hyman has been itching to return from long-term injured reserve, and the Edmonton Oilers have been circling the November 1 date on their calendar. While news is that his return will be delayed by at least one more week, the team is excited at the prospect of having him back, even if it means making some tough roster decisions.

Following Wednesday’s practice at Rogers Pace, Hyman showed and said he’s nearly ready. Head coach Kris Knoblauch couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, joking that the medical staff was holding him back: “He looks ready to go. I want to put him in… I don’t think it’s fair.”

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Hyman spoke with the media as well and said he feels “really good… really close” and is eager to get back on the ice. “At the end of the day, the doctors are the ones there to protect you from yourself,” he said, seemingly unaware that a decision to hold him back another week had already been made.

Knoblauch confirmed November 1 was the date Hyman was eligible to return, but then said he won’t be ready. It will be “at least a week after that,” the coach noted. 

With 54 goals in 2023–24 and 70 including playoffs, Hyman offers a rare combination of speed, scoring, and tenacity that could immediately boost any line.

Hyman’s Return Will Bump Someone from the Oilers Roster

But the real issue for others begins with Hyman’s place in the lineup. Should Hyman reunite with Connor McDavid to reignite their top-line chemistry, or be placed elsewhere to provide depth and balance? Either way, his return will push other forwards down the lineup, forcing Knoblauch to make tough choices. The coach called it “putting people in the right chairs”, but the reality is, this will be more like part of musical chairs where a chair is removed and there’s not enough space for everyone to sit.

At least one Oiler isn’t going to survive the cut. Others will be impacted by the shuffling around of secondary scorers, and they may see reduced roles. As the team seems to be finally building some line chemistry, players like Curtis Lazar, David Tomasek, Ike Howard, Matt Savoie, and Noah Philp may have to ready themselves for unfortunate news.

At the end of the day, Hyman’s return is good news. The fact that the Oilers have this kind of depth is a positive. However, a demotion or a trade may be coming that could signal the end of someone’s tenure on this team.

When Hyman does step back on the ice, the Oilers will gain a proven star — but the fallout could ripple through the roster.

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