Zach Hyman provides update on his injury ahead of game one of the Stanley Cup Final

It was a heartbreaking situation late in the Conference Final when Zach Hyman took a missed hit from Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment and sustained an injury. He immediately left the game, was seen being consoled by teammates during and after the game, and was immediately sent for surgery the next day.

There was no official word or statement about the injury, aside from indications that he was likely done for the season and some rumblings of it being a wrist injury. It being a wrist injury was confirmed when a video clip of the team Facetiming him from the locker room after eliminating the Stars showed his hand and wrist in a cast.

Some of us honed in on the word ‘likely’ and wondered if he could make an appearance late in the series, if it dragged on that far.

Zach Hyman injury update

But this morning, ahead of game one of the Stanley Cup Final, we received an update from Hyman himself. It cleared up all the uncertainty surrounding the injury, as well as shutting down any discussion of his potential return this season.

https://x.com/JasonGregor/status/1930303498559860831?s=19

The injury, although fixed quite rapidly, is now confirmed to be a dislocated wrist with additional ligament damage. These injuries can take a long time to heal, with medical sources suggesting anywhere from two to six months. Sometimes even up to a year before full function is regained. The ligament damage also adds to the recovery time.

Because of this, there is a chance that Hyman will not be ready for training camp or the start of the season.

This is not the update we wanted to hear. After Hyman had been such an important part of this team’s season, leading the league in hirs during the playoffs, his absence will be a huge hole to fill.

Even more heartbreaking is remembering that Hyman was the player after the game seven loss to the Panthers last year who was adamant that the Oilers would be back this season. To not get a chance to see him contribute to a series he is built perfectly for is a tragedy.

Additional game one notes

After an optional skate the morning of game one, Connor Brown’s availability seems to be confirmed. Over the weekend, it was announced he would be ready for the Final. But after missing practice yesterday due to an illness, he was believed to be a game time decision. Jeff Skinner was out late for the optional skate, and it appears that Brown feels well enough to make his return to the lineup.