What should have been a night of celebration in Edmonton now comes with a cloud of concern. The Oilers are now one win away from punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final with a 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. But the victory may have come at a steep cost. Winger Zach Hyman left the game midway through the first period and did not return, after a collision with Stars forward Mason Marchment.
The play occurred as Hyman was exiting the Oilers’ defensive zone. With his attention turned up ice and the puck heading the other way, Marchment clipped Hyman on his way past. While the hit didn’t appear dirty or malicious in real time, the result was immediate and concerning. Hyman grabbed his right arm, possibly his shoulder, and skated gingerly to the bench. He the instantly headed down the tunnel and did not return.
Now, the worst-case scenario has been confirmed. On Wednesday morning, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters that Zach Hyman is undergoing surgery today and is "likely out for the season." That would rule Hyman out for the entire Stanley Cup Final and potentially well into the offseason.
The loss of Hyman is massive for Edmonton. Through 15 playoff games, he’s posted 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points, including a dominant performance in Game 4 where he registered 2 goals and 1 assist in a 6-1 win. But Hyman’s value goes well beyond the scoresheet. He leads the Oilers in hits this postseason with 111, regularly throws his body into tough areas, and works relentlessly on both sides of the puck.
He’s also been a fixture on the top power-play unit and sometimes contributes defensively on the penalty kill. Few players in the league combine skill, hustle, and physicality the way Hyman does. His grind-it-out style is tailor-made for playoff hockey, and he’s been a consistent engine behind Edmonton’s top offensive weapons.
With Hyman out for an extended period, head coach Kris Knoblauch will have a tough decision to make. Options to fill that hole include Connor Brown, who hopefully can be back healthy, he has had flashes of brilliance this postseason, and veteran Adam Henrique, who brings experience but is still easing back from injury himself. Corey Perry is another option, but no one replicates what Hyman brings shift to shift.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With the Stanley Cup Final on the horizon and a red-hot Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers were finally clicking on all cylinders. Hyman has been an integral part of that momentum.
For now, the team and fans are holding their breath. The Oilers are built on star power, yes, but it’s the players like Zach Hyman, the battlers, the relentless forecheckers, the leaders, who often make the difference in a seven-game war for the Cup.