Oilers' Zach Hyman opens up about season-ending injury

When Oilers fans learned the news that Zach Hyman would be out for the remainder of the NHL playoffs, they were devastated. It was in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars that he left early after briefly colliding with Stars forward Mason Marchment, instantly heading down the tunnel following the hit.

Hyman described the situation on a recent appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast, noting how difficult it was to come to the realization he wouldn’t be able to play again in the playoffs.

“I don’t know if I grasped it in the moment. I think in the moment you’re like, ‘I can play through it, whatever it is, I’ll be able to play.’ And then I quickly realized that it was something that needed surgery.

The guys came over in the intermission just to check up on me. That’s kind of what guys do when there’s a serious injury. And I kind of broke down.

It was hard. I was emotional, but at the same time, you’re trying to keep it together because the guys have to go out there and win a period. That’s kind of the realization where it’s like, ‘F---, I can’t help anymore, I’m on the shelf.’

I’m here to support in any way I can, but I can no longer go out there, and it’s heartbreaking because it’s the thing you want the most and, you just want to be able to help. It was tough.”

Even in one of the most painful moments of his career, Hyman is doing what he can to support the team. As he said during the intermission, he was trying to hold it together so he wouldn’t distract his teammates from what was happening to him, always putting the team first.

After Game 4, it was revealed by Jason Gregor that Hyman had surgery to repair his broken wrist.

Now, the Oilers prepare to take on the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final without Hyman, who in 15 playoff games had five goals, six assists, and eleven points. Most notably, he was a physical presence, delivering 111 hits, according to StatMuse, the most in the 2025 NHL playoffs to date, with Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers trailing behind with 85 hits.

Edmonton could use Hyman as added motivation to win the Stanley Cup; not only will they want revenge for losing the Stanley Cup last June to the Panthers, but also to win it for him, a beloved teammate who’s done everything it takes to win in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Game 1 of the Cup Final between the Oilers and Panthers begins on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Edmonton.