‘Everyone loves that guy’: Oilers and fans react to Zach Hyman’s season-ending injury

The Edmonton Oilers were hit with unfortunate news on Wednesday morning, as head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Zach Hyman will undergo season-ending surgery on his wrist.

Hyman was clipped on a high hit from Mason Marchment during the first period of Game 4 against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. The winger left the game after only five shifts and didn’t return.

After the game, goaltender Stuart Skinner noted how important Hyman is to the Oilers.

“He’s a huge piece, a key piece,” Skinner said of Hyman. “He’s a cliché. He’s a hard worker, he grinds, he does the little things right, and on top of that, he’s an amazing human being. Everyone loves that guy.”

Veteran winger Corey Perry said on Tuesday night that while Hyman is a big hole to fill, the Oilers need to be ready to step up in his absence.

“You’ve got to be aware who’s on the bench or who’s up on the bench,” Perry said about dealing with Hyman’s injury. You get into the game and you’re focused on your next shift, and you never know if you’re going to be up with somebody else. But I thought we did a good job. Obviously, [Hyman] a big hole to fill, but nobody’s going to do that overnight. It takes a team effort, and I thought we did a good job of that. He means everything. He’s a workhorse. He’s a dog and a bone on the puck.”

Fans were devastated to hear the news that a favourite has been knocked out of the playoffs. Hyman joined the Oilers as an unrestricted free agent a few years ago, and he’s become a beloved player on and off the ice in Edmonton.

“What terrible news for Zach Hyman. The guy was making an impact every game during this playoff run. Regardless of what happens the rest of the way for the Oilers, he did his part and then some. Time for the next man up to do the same!” – OilersAdam via X

“Hyman is my favourite player. He’s probably my favourite Oiler of all time. He plays with such determination, such hustle, such passion. He’s a great example of giving it 100% EVERY shift. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.” – Lars Callieou via X

“Mason Marchment, you might wanna keep your head on a swivel tomorrow…” – OilersDaily via X

“Mason Marchment is officially public enemy No. 1 in Oil Country.” – nuggyyybabyyy via X

“May Mason Marchment have the longest summer imaginable.” –  McCurdy1987 via X

Marchment has found himself to be a villain in this series. Not on the scoreboard, though, as he’s posted zeros across the board over his last three games. He’s left a mark, however, by being the one who delivered Hyman’s season-ending injury.

It’s understandable why Oilers fans are upset by this news. Hyman has been a key piece for the Oilers by leading the NHL playoffs in hits with 111 and posting five goals, six assists, and eleven assists.

“Next man up, win a ring for our fallen king.” – westie_84 via Instagram

“Rest, sweet prince. Time for the boys to finish the job for you.” – Stefaeliza via Instagram

“Hopefully it’s healed enough in a couple of weeks so he can still lift the Cup up.” – b.a. 9729 via Instagram

“Ugh, that’s brutal news. He was playing so well too, especially physically. With Ekholm coming back and the depth we have, it doesn’t hurt our chances, but sad news nonetheless. Hope his surgery goes well and that he’s all ready to go for next season. Win the Cup for him, boys!!” – Oilersjayscan via X

“Yes, losing Zach Hyman sucks. But the Oilers need 5 more wins. They have depth. They’ve had unsung heroes stepping up. They’ve made it to one win away from the SCF without their best / second best defenseman. It’ll be hard, but they can do it without him. They can do it for him.” – OilerAlert

While fans might want to see retribution against Marchment, others are now rallying behind Zach Hyman, creating added motivation for the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup for him.

The Oilers are one win away from going back to the Cup Final, and they can close out their series with the Stars on Thursday night in Dallas. It will be a difficult test without Hyman, and the team will need to decide who comes into the lineup for him.