On Wednesday, the Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke to the media during practice. On Tuesday night, the Oilers had a decisive 6-3 victory over the top team in the Western Conference, Utah Mammoth.
During practice, Knoblauch gave an important update on one of the Oilers top line forwards, Zach Hyman, who has not played a game since the Western Conference Finals series against the Dallas Stars. He sustained a wrist injury, requiring surgery in the off season and has been on long term injured reserve ever since.
He was originally expected to return in November -- although that remains unchanged -- it seems he will not be ready to go as early as some had hoped. Knoblauch confirmed that Hyman will not play this Saturday, November 1st.
He followed up by saying that his return will be "at least a week after that." This puts the Oilers forward officially on a week-to-week basis.
Kris Knoblauch confirms that Hyman will not be ready to go for Nov. 1.
— Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) October 29, 2025
Says it will be “at least a week after that.” Officially designated as week-to-week. #Oilers pic.twitter.com/Yt2HfvbVWm
The Oilers have missed Hyman
The team has struggled mightily in the early stretch to score goals, especially at even strength. Their depth scoring has been hard to come by, especially as their rookies have started off the season slow.
The early signs seem to show some change on Tuesday with two goals from their blueline and a goal from their top rookie, Isaac Howard.
On top of their scoring struggles, the Oilers goaltenders have been suspect at times. At this stage of the year, both goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have been averaging below .900 save percentages.
Fans and the coaching staff will have to wait for Hyman to return from injury but it cannot come soon enough as he provides both supplemental offence and defensive responsibility.