Zach Hyman Return Will Mean Finally Breaking a Bad Habit for Oilers

Zach Hyman’s long-awaited return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup could be just around the corner. According to head coach Kris Knoblauch, the veteran winger may be ready to rejoin the team in early November (as early as November 1)—which will be a huge addition for a team that is staying afloat but not playing its best hockey. Hyman back may also mean the team may finally break a bad habit when it comes to how they construct their lines.

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There has been a lot wrong with the Oilers over the first 10 games of this NHL season. Using Hyman’s injury as an excuse would be underselling the team’s overall disjointedness and lack of sync. However, Hyman has been missed. His relentless forechecking, ability to score, and chemistry with Connor McDavid — who has only one goal on the season — have been a big part of why this Oilers team often appears lost.

Edmonton hopes a Hyman return will reignite their top six and give the Oilers a spark. This is the kind of team that, if they can get on a roll, can turn around their season in a wink.

Hyman Return Means Less Line Juggling for Oilers

But with good news comes a challenge: cap compliance and roster management. The Oilers are tight against the salary cap and have too many players on the active roster. Hyman’s activation from injured reserve will require a corresponding roster move.

That could involve trading a depth player, placing someone on waivers, or sending a rookie like Isaac Howard back to Bakersfield of the AHL to create space. Head coach Kris Knoblauch and general manager Stan Bowman will need to make that decision quickly.

The good news about this is that it also means fewer in-game lineup changes or roster shuffling from game to game. The Oilers lead the NHL in the least amount of ice time with the same trio of players together. In other words, Knoblauch is changing the lines so often, there is absolutely no chemistry being built up between forward pairings or trios. That will change when Hyman returns.

Hyman will slide back alongside McDavid and likely someone like Andrew Mangiapane, with Jack Roslovic moving down to play with Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin. Expect small tweaks here and there, but for those lines to remain for some time. The top line in particular will see Hyman stay with McDavid in an effort to get both of those players going offensively.

Next: Insider Reveals Stance NHLPA Took on the McDavid Deal with Oilers