Zach Hyman is eager to return from long-term injured reserve, and the Edmonton Oilers have circled the November 1 date on their calendar. While the news is that his return will be delayed for at least another week, the team is excited about the prospect of having him back, even if it means making some tough roster decisions.
After Wednesday’s practice at Rogers Pace, Hyman showed he was almost ready. Head coach Kris Knoblauch couldn’t hide his excitement, joking that the medical staff was holding him back: “He looks ready to go. I want to put him in there… I don’t think it’s fair.”
Hyman also spoke to the media and said he feels “really good… very close” and is eager to get back on the ice. “At the end of the day, it’s the doctors who have to protect you from yourself,” he said, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the decision had already been made to keep him back for another week.
Knoblauch confirmed that Nov. 1 was the date Hyman was eligible to return, but then said he wouldn’t be ready. It will be “at least a week after that,” the coach noted.
With 54 goals in 2023-2024 and 70 including playoffs, Hyman offers a rare combination of speed, scoring and tenacity that could give any line an immediate boost.
Hyman’s return will bump someone off the Oilers roster
But the real problem for others starts with Hyman’s place in the lineup. Should Hyman reunite with Connor McDavid to rekindle their top chemistry, or should he be placed elsewhere to provide depth and balance? Either way, his return will push other players forward in the lineup, leaving Knoblauch with tough choices to make. The coach called it “putting people in the right seats,” but the reality is that this will be more like a game of musical chairs where a chair is removed and there isn’t enough room for everyone to sit.
At least one Oiler won’t survive the cut. Others will be affected by the shuffling of secondary scorers, and they may see a smaller role. Now that the team finally seems to be building some line chemistry, players like Curtis Lazar, David Tomasek, Ike Howard, Matt Savoie and Noah Philp may have to prepare for some unfortunate news.
Ultimately, Hyman’s return is good news. The fact that the Oilers have this kind of depth is a positive. However, there could be a demotion or a trade on the horizon that could mean the end of someone’s tenure on this team.
When Hyman steps back on the ice, the Oilers gain a proven star, but the consequences could ripple through the roster.
Next: Insider discards theory: Oil companies test players before big decisions
#Hymans #return #breathe #life #Oilers #high #cost