Edmonton Oilers fans are facing an early curveball ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season: star winger Zach Hyman will be sidelined for at least the first month, leaving a significant gap on the team’s top line. The Oilers, who open their season at Rogers Place against the Calgary Flames on October 8, will have to navigate their first 12 games without one of their most reliable contributors, as Hyman continues to recover from a serious wrist injury.
The news broke officially on September 18, 2025, when Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the media with a sobering update. "Zach, unfortunately, won’t be able to join us for our home opener," Knoblauch explained. "We’re thinking the guideline is probably around Nov. 1. Maybe a little earlier, maybe a little bit later, but around that timeline." The announcement marked a sharp change in tone from the previous day, when both Hyman and Oilers GM Stan Bowman had sounded optimistic about his progress.
So, what exactly happened to sideline one of Edmonton’s most consistent forwards? The injury dates back to May 27, 2025, during Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. In a pivotal moment, Hyman took a hard hit from Dallas forward Mason Marchment while trying to clear the puck in the neutral zone. The result was a fractured and dislocated wrist, with damaged ligaments—a devastating blow for the 33-year-old winger and the Oilers’ playoff push.
Hyman’s reaction was immediate and telling. He dropped his stick, cradled his right arm, and headed straight to the locker room. The severity was clear: he underwent surgery the very next day and missed the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. At the time of the injury, Hyman had been a key offensive force, tallying 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 15 postseason games. During the regular season, he had notched 27 goals and 44 points over 73 games, with seven of those goals being game-winners. It was his fourth season with Edmonton, and his performance had cemented his role as a top-line staple alongside Connor McDavid.
The Oilers’ playoff run ultimately ended in disappointment, falling to the Florida Panthers in six games in the Stanley Cup Final—the team’s second consecutive loss at that stage. Hyman’s absence was felt keenly, both on the scoreboard and in the locker room. Reflecting on the injury, Hyman shared, "Anytime you get hurt, whether it’s at the beginning of playoffs or midway through, or near the end like I did, it’s definitely disheartening. For me, I pretty much knew immediately that my season was over. You kind of flip your focus just to try to help the team in a different way, an emotional support way, and just being around the guys and being positive. But when it happened, it was very, very disheartening."
Despite the setback, Hyman has remained focused on his recovery throughout the summer. He was seen wearing a wrist brace at Team Canada’s Olympic camp in August, but by mid-September, he was back on the ice, skating independently and training his lower body. "It’s different than a lower-body injury," Hyman explained. "For an upper-body injury, I’m able to train my legs the entire summer, I’m able to skate, I’m able to do everything that I need to do, minus making sure that my wrist is OK. Now we’re in the stage where you’re really pushing the envelope and building strength back into the wrist."
Still, the Oilers’ medical team discovered something during Hyman’s latest check-ups that prompted a more cautious approach, pushing his projected return to early November. That means not only will Hyman miss the home opener, but he’ll also be absent for the entirety of training camp and the team’s first 12 regular-season games. The Oilers will have to get creative with their lineup, especially on the top line next to McDavid.
Coach Knoblauch acknowledged the challenge but also saw opportunity: "There will be a lot of opportunities for guys to show us what they can do." The Oilers wasted no time experimenting, with recent overseas signing David Tomasek skating in Hyman’s spot during the first on-ice session of training camp. Andrew Mangiapane, another new addition, has also been seen alongside McDavid, as the coaching staff evaluates chemistry and fit ahead of the season opener.
The Oilers’ depth will be put to the test, and the competition for roster spots on McDavid’s wing is officially wide open. The team is set to play two split-squad preseason games against the Flames on September 21, offering a first glimpse at potential replacements and new line combinations. For players like Tomasek and Mangiapane, it’s a golden chance to make an impression—not just in practice, but under the bright lights of preseason action.
Hyman’s absence looms large, given his knack for clutch goals and the physical, relentless style he brings to Edmonton’s attack. Last season, his seven game-winning goals were a testament to his ability to deliver when it mattered most. Now, the question is: who can step up in his stead? The Oilers’ front office and coaching staff will be watching closely, knowing that a strong start to the season could set the tone for another deep playoff run.
The timing of Hyman’s injury is especially tough, as the Oilers look to bounce back from back-to-back Stanley Cup Final defeats. The pressure is on for Edmonton to finally get over the hump, and every point in the standings will count. The hope is that Hyman’s disciplined rehab and the team’s depth will help weather the storm until he’s cleared to return. Knoblauch remains cautiously optimistic that Hyman could be back around November 1, but emphasized that the timeline could shift depending on how the wrist responds in the coming weeks.
For now, Oilers fans will have to wait a little longer to see their beloved winger back in action. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Hyman’s work ethic and determination remain undiminished. "I’m just doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible," Hyman said. And when he does return, expect the Oilers’ top line to regain its familiar spark—just in time for the heart of the NHL season.
As the Oilers gear up for their season opener and a critical stretch without one of their leaders, all eyes will be on who steps up—and how quickly Hyman can make his much-anticipated comeback.
