Oilers still targeting Nov. 1 return for Zach Hyman

Hope might be on the horizon for the two-time defending Western Conference champions.

When speaking to the media on Thursday, Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch stated that the team is still targeting to bring Zach Hyman back into the lineup on Nov. 1, when the Oilers host the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hyman has been out of action since injuring his wrist during Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. It knocked the noted scorer out of action as Edmonton made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final once again. Hyman’s absence was noticeable as the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in six games.

The Toronto native was placed on long-term injured reserve at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Before training camp got underway, Knoblauch said the team hoped Hyman could return to action by November.

Hyman’s impact on the Oilers roster has been palpable. Along with his grinding style of play, which made him a fan favorite with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he quickly became an exceptional offensive threat playing with the likes of captain Connor McDavid. He scored a career-best 54 goals during the 2023-24 campaign. He was limited to 73 games last season, but still managed to score 27 goals and 17 assists for 44 points.

Hyman’s return to the lineup might help the Oilers address their early-season scoring woes. Through seven games, the team has just 18 goals scored, with McDavid finally scoring himself on Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators. With another added weapon in the lineup, Edmonton could finally start to look like a favorite to finish near the top of the Pacific Division once again.

In 653 career games, Hyman has scored 230 goals and 213 assists for 443 points, with another 73 points coming in 100 postseason contests.

The Oilers (3-3-1) are to host the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.