Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup hopes hit early snag with key injury concern

The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2025-26 season still haunted by their Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, and with Zach Hyman's recovery from a wrist injury suffered against the Dallas Stars still uncertain.

The Edmonton Oilers came painfully close to glory last spring, only to fall short once again in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. For many, the storyline was about Connor McDavid carrying his team, but another thought lingered: how different might that series have looked if Zach Hyman had been healthy?

The veteran forward was forced out of the Western Conference Final after a collision with Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment, leaving the Oilers without one of their most consistent playoff scorers at the worst possible time.

The disappointment has now extended into the fall, as Hyman admitted he is unsure whether he will be ready for the Oilers' season opener against the Calgary Flames on October 8.

Edmonton Oilers face uncertainty with Zach Hyman's recovery

Speaking at Team Canada's Olympic orientation camp, Hyman told reporters,

"Will I be ready for the start of the season? I don't know. But I'm on the right track, which is good." He added that his final meeting with the surgeon will determine his timeline.

Hyman's role in Edmonton has been massive since joining in 2021. Over four seasons, he's scored 144 goals and 258 points in 308 regular-season games, while adding 35 goals in just 68 playoff appearances.

Often playing alongside McDavid, his net-front presence and relentless work ethic have been a perfect fit. AsTSN reported, missing Hyman would be a major blow for the Oilers' early push in a stacked Pacific Division.

The Toronto native admitted that watching from the sidelines was agonizing.

"It was miserable you have no control and you're helpless. At the same time, you're trying to be supportive for the guys who are playing."

Looking ahead, Hyman has extra motivation. Not only does he want to push the Oilers back to the Final, but he also hopes to earn a spot with Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics.

I think Oilers fans should be encouraged that Hyman seems close, but his absence on opening night would be a tough start to a season where Edmonton has no margin for error.