There’s one thing that seems to stick with the Edmonton Oilers year after year: their slow, almost lazy starts. For whatever reason, they come out of the gate flat, and it takes a while before they actually get going. This year has been better than the last three, but it still feels like they’ve got …
There’s one thing that seems to stick with the Edmonton Oilers year after year: their slow, almost lazy starts. For whatever reason, they come out of the gate flat, and it takes a while before they actually get going. This year has been better than the last three, but it still feels like they’ve got a long way to go. Sitting at 8-7-4 and 4th in the Pacific Division, they’re only three points back of first, but it doesn’t totally feel like it.
Luckily for them, Zach Hyman is set to return to the lineup this Saturday against the 11-5 Carolina Hurricanes, who have been absolutely rolling. The Oilers are coming off a 5–4 loss to the Blue Jackets on Thursday night — another classic Oilers roller-coaster finish — and getting Hyman back could be exactly what they need to shift momentum. The big question still hanging around is simple: when will the Oilers finally get back to their normal form?
Hyman’s return could provide that spark. He brings the gritty, forechecking, dump-and-chase style that the Oilers have been missing, and he’s a guy who sets the tone with his energy and leadership night in and night out. He’s been out since Game 4 of the Western Conference Final last season after taking a hit that injured his wrist. Likewise, Zach had surgery right after the game: missed the entire Stanley Cup Final, and started the 2024–25 season on LTIR while recovering.
Without him, the Oilers have clearly struggled to play that brand of hockey consistently. His leadership and presence in the locker room should give the team a big boost — similar to how Ekholm’s return last season gave the defence more confidence.
The last few games, the Oilers have struggled to hold leads and have looked a bit lost at times. With Hyman back, there’s a real chance for them to stabilize and get back to the type of hockey they want to play. To make room for him, Isaac Howard was sent down to Bakersfield and Troy Stecher was placed on waivers, so Hyman could be activated back into the lineup.
I’m excited to see him back in action this Saturday against a strong Hurricanes team at 7:00 p.m. MT. His return could be just the boost the Oilers need to start stringing wins together.
