Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman knew instantly that something was seriously wrong.
During Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, after releasing the puck in the neutral zone, Hyman was involved in a collision with Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment. The impact sent him favoring his right arm, dropping his stick, and heading immediately off the ice and to the locker room.
After being a vital component of the Oilers` playoff success leading up to this point, the hardworking forward now faces the difficult reality of watching his team compete in the Stanley Cup Final from the sidelines.
Speaking to reporters just hours before Game 1 of the championship series against the Florida Panthers, the 32-year-old winger was sporting a cast on his right wrist. He explained that the injury involved a dislocation, torn ligaments, and also bone fractures.
“I just felt my wrist kind of go on me,” Hyman recounted, adding that initially, he held onto hope that he might be able to play through it or that there was a chance of recovery. “But quickly realized when I saw the doctors, it`s something that needed surgery and something that I wasn`t going to be able to play through.”
He admitted to being in a state of disbelief initially, thinking he could overcome it, even until after the surgery. The moment was emotional, and he feels he didn`t fully grasp the situation until later. Reflecting on the injury, he stated, “Some things in life you can`t control, and this is one of them.”
While recovering at home in Edmonton after the procedure, Hyman received a surprise FaceTime call from his teammates from the visitors` locker room in Dallas after they secured the Game 5 win, clinching their berth in the final.
“It meant the world,” Hyman shared, his voice full of emotion. He added that the call caught him off guard and brought him to tears because he feels so deeply connected to the team. Their gesture in that significant moment meant a great deal to him. He also expressed his expectation to be fully recovered and ready for training camp in September.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the significant void Hyman`s absence leaves, both on and off the ice. He stated that the team would need other players to step up to fill the roles Hyman performed so effectively, whether it`s scoring, hitting, or making crucial plays.
Hyman, a gritty player who combined for 70 goals across the 2023-24 regular season and playoffs, revealed that captain Connor McDavid was the first teammate to console him immediately after his injury in Game 4. He described the moment as heartbreaking, and said McDavid gave him a big hug, which is when he broke down emotionally.
The Oilers had been relatively fortunate with injuries last season during their deep playoff run. While they largely avoided major issues in 2024-25 as well, a wave of injuries hit late, affecting key players like McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Mattias Ekholm, and Hyman.
Hyman is remembered for a powerful speech he gave to his teammates after their Game 7 loss in the 2024 Cup Final against the Panthers, where he promised the group would return. That promise has been fulfilled, though Hyman is sadly unable to participate on the ice this time.
“Life has a funny way of working,” he commented. He knew most of the core group was returning and sensed a strong hunger and determination to not just get back to the final, but to win it. He praised the team`s resilience and chemistry this year, calling them the “ultimate example of a team” with players consistently stepping up in different roles.
“Looking forward to cheering the guys on,” Hyman concluded. “We`re here and we`re ready.”
