Edmonton Oilers Delay Zach Hyman’s Return Until at Least Nov. 8

UPDATE: The Edmonton Oilers have just announced a significant delay in Zach Hyman‘s return from injury. Initially slated to make his comeback for the Nov. 1 game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Hyman will now be sidelined for at least another week, pushing his potential return to Nov. 8 against the Colorado Avalanche.

During a press briefing following practice on Wednesday morning, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed the setback. “He looks ready to go, I want to put him in,” Knoblauch stated. “Our medical staff is holding him back… He’ll still be week-to-week. We said it was bare minimum Nov. 1, and it won’t be Nov. 1. It’ll be at least a week after that.”

This news rules Hyman out for the upcoming game against the Blackhawks as well as two critical away matchups against the Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues.

Hyman expressed optimism about his recovery, saying, “I feel good skating, nice to join the group. I feel really good, I feel close [to returning]… I’m excited to come back and join the group, bring some new energy whenever that is.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring he is fully ready before returning, stating, “the doctors are the ones who are there to protect you from yourself.”

The 33-year-old forward has been recovering from a wrist injury sustained during last year’s Western Conference Final against the Stars, which also kept him out of the Stanley Cup Final. Though his return is delayed, Hyman has been actively participating in practice, even if he hasn’t engaged in regular line rushes.

The Oilers have struggled offensively at the start of the season, and Hyman’s presence would provide a much-needed boost. The former 50-goal scorer has been a pivotal player for the team, consistently contributing to their offensive strategy.

As the Oilers navigate this challenging phase without Hyman, fans remain hopeful for his swift recovery and return to the ice. The latest updates indicate that while he won’t be back as soon as anticipated, there are no major setbacks in his recovery process. Stay tuned for further updates on Hyman’s progress and the Oilers’ performance in the coming games.