Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers may not be on the ice for the Stanley Cup Final, but his bond with the team remains stronger than ever. Although he didn’t travel with the Oilers to Dallas for their Game 5 win against the Stars in the Western Conference final, Hyman was still very much a part of the victory celebration.
Hyman’s Injury and Recovery
Hyman’s journey to the sidelines began with an injury during Game 4 of the series, when he was hit by Dallas Stars left winger Mason Marchment. Despite the setback, Hyman was determined to stay connected with the team during their playoff run.
“I was sitting on my couch with my wife and mother-in-law just watching,” Hyman shared, describing the day after his surgery. “It was really emotional, to feel so much a part of the team.”
Though he couldn’t be physically present, Hyman’s teammates made sure he didn’t feel left out. After winning Game 5 and securing their spot in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers FaceTimed Hyman in their locker room, wearing their 2025 Western Conference champions hats.
A Touching Moment for Hyman
The FaceTime call caught Hyman by surprise, and the emotional moment left him in tears. “Honestly, I was crying,” Hyman admitted. “It meant a lot to feel so much a part of the team, and for them to do that in that moment.”
Despite not being on the ice, Hyman made it clear that he’ll continue to support the team throughout their Stanley Cup journey. “I’m going to be with the team the whole way, acting like I’m playing, but obviously not,” he said.
Hyman’s Injury Details
Hyman later provided more insight into the nature of his injury. He explained that he initially tried to push through the discomfort in his wrist, but it eventually became clear that something more serious had occurred. “I just felt my wrist kind of go on me, and even then you still think, whatever it is, you’ll be able to play through it or there’ll be a chance you can play through it,” he said.
It turned out that his wrist was dislocated, and the damage involved ligaments and possible breaks. While Hyman didn’t go into the specifics, he reassured fans that he would be back next season, though the exact timeline for his return would depend on his rehab process.
Hyman’s Impact on the Team
At 32 years old, Hyman has been a key contributor for the Oilers throughout the playoffs. He registered five goals and six assists in 15 games, including a crucial two-goal, one-assist performance in Game 3 against the Stars. His 27 goals and 44 points in the regular season were also vital to the team’s success.
Oilers center Adam Henrique acknowledged just how much Hyman’s absence has been felt. “Missing him is big,” Henrique said. “He’s a huge piece of this team. His physicality. His net-front presence. In the locker room. All those types of things.”
Hyman’s Support and the Oilers’ Stanley Cup Push
Despite not being on the ice, Hyman’s spirit will continue to be a part of the Oilers’ journey as they try to go further than last year’s run, which ended in a seven-game loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. Hyman will travel with the team for every game in the series, remaining a source of motivation for his teammates.
“He’s a great person, and we’re going to miss him on the ice,” said Henrique. “But he’ll be there. And we’re certainly going to fight for him on the ice.”
