Random Thoughts: Zach Hyman’s timeline, Evan Bouchard, and the Oilers extend Vasily Podkolzin

Good for Vasily Podkolzin on locking in a three-year deal worth $2.95 million per season. That’s life-changing money for a guy who chipped in eight goals and 16 assists over a full 82-game run, and it speaks to the faith the organization clearly has in him. Not only are they extending him for three years beyond this current year, but they’re also betting on his progression with a 200% raise. If that’s not belief in the kid, then I don’t know what is. Draisaitl loves playing with him, which doesn’t hurt, and there’s clearly a belief that his best hockey is still ahead. That said, I can’t help but be a little surprised by the number because I thought he’d land somewhere closer to the $2 million range. It’s not that I think this is an overpay, but it’s definitely not risk-free. I also thought he might be one of the last to sign an extension because I thought his agent would want to wait until he got a few more at-bats under his belt playing somewhere in Edmonton’s middle-six. The Oilers are betting on upside, and if Podz can make noise this season at his current $1 million ticket, the bump into 2026–27 will look like a smart gamble rather than an early reward.

ZACH HYMAN’S TIMELINE STINKS

I’m not going to lie, I was pretty bummed when I found out that Zach Hyman is expected to miss the first month of the season. Losing him for the start of the year is like missing a wheel on the bus that drives the team forward. He’s the kind of heart and soul guy that will lay his body on the line 100% of the time if it means the team can succeed, and I’m very much going to miss that mindset while we wait for his return. We saw firsthand what his absence meant in the SCF, and I’m really hoping that we being without him doesn’t mean a similar fate for the first month of the year.

Missing Hyman isn’t just about goals or points, but also the way Hyman sets the tone. He battles, he works, and he drags teammates into the fight. That’s hard to replace, even with depth. The silver lining is opportunity: minutes open up, roles expand, and the room gets a chance to respond. If the Oilers can tread water without him, Hyman’s return will almost feel like a mid-season jolt. It’s the kind of “in-season addition” that will give the boys a boost both on and off the ice. Survive the early stretch, bank enough points, and let Hyman’s comeback play like a deadline acquisition.

EVAN BOUCHARD PRESSURE RISES

I don’t know that I can remember a noisier contract extension than what we got when Evan Bouchard signed his four-year x $10.5 million contract back in June. He’s one of those players you either love or hate, and while I’m absolutely on Team Bouchard, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t fascinated to see how Oilers fans react to him this coming season. There’s a boom and bust kind of vibe that surrounds Bouchard, but this will be the first time he’s ever making the kind of money where ever mistake gets wrapped up what is contract says. It’s what happens with Darnell Nurse. It’s what used to happen with Shawn Horcoff. Are they all different players? Of course. But is the pressure ramped up because of the price tag? Absolutely.

The microscope gets bigger when the dollars do. That’s reality. But the same spotlight that magnifies mistakes also amplifies strengths, and Bouchard has plenty: power-play quarterbacking, clean exits, a bomb from the point, and sneaky five-on-five offence. If he can make calmer decisions in the defensive zone and let the puck do the work, the contract chatter turns into core-piece certainty. If he forces it, the noise will grow. Either way, I’m super intrigued by what will be a massive season for Dad. Gord knows the points will be there, but now the trick will be seeing even more growth regardless of where he’s at on the ice.

LINE COMBOS ARGUMENTS 

I love arguing about line combos, and there’s nothing funnier and more entertaining to me than doing it in training camp. As I was cruising around Twitter/X over the last week, I saw all kinds of overreactions about who was playing where and why Kris Knoblauch was doing this, and all I could think about was how we are so back. Arguing about pre-season line combos only happens in markets where the fanbase is 1000% dialled in, and that is absolutely the case in Edmonton no matter how who is playing where or when. Ignoring the reactions and passion for a moment, the trio that I was most intrigued by was seeing David Tomasek and Andrew Mangiapane lined up beside Connor McDavid.

Even though I’m well aware this won’t stick long or even short-term, how cool would it be if we could find some unexpected chemistry from a line that features two new friends? The versatility Knoblauch would have in his lineup would be massive if one of these ideas can work out, and that’s why I always love seeing the blender come out at this time of year. Again, I know the pre-season doesn’t mean a whole lot when it comes to results, it would be pretty damned cool if we can hit on something early. Firing the blender up is what September is for: test, tinker, and maybe stumble into something that travels. If it sticks then that could wind up being an edge for October. If it doesn’t, no harm done. The debates are part of the fun, not a referendum on the season.

THE WRAP

That’s the beauty of this time of year. Hyman’s absence hurts, but it also forges opportunity. Bouchard’s contract raises the stakes, but it also sets the stage for a statement season. And the line-combo blender? It’s a reminder that possibility is the point of pre-season. We’ll get real answers soon enough. Until then, argue the rushes, circle the calendar, and keep the vibes high. Hockey’s back, and that’s more than enough reason to be fired up. Agree? Disagree? Drop your ideal line combos, Podkolzin takes, and Bouch projections in the comments. I want to know what you think or even if you believe I’m out to lunch. Either way, I look forward to arguing about anything and everything above when the season kicks off two weeks from now.