Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman is currently navigating the recovery path from a fractured wrist and has indicated that his availability for the commencement of the 2025-26 NHL season is not yet certain.
The injury occurred during Game 4 of the Western Conference Final matchup against the Dallas Stars. While attempting to exit his own zone with the puck, Hyman was involved in a collision in the neutral zone with Mason Marchment. The impact resulted in the forward immediately dropping his stick and departing for the locker room while visibly favoring his right arm.
Hyman recently provided an update on his recuperation. He confirmed he is still wearing a protective brace following the necessary surgical procedure. Despite this, he reported feeling positive about his overall condition. He anticipates the removal of the brace within approximately two weeks from his recent statement, a significant milestone in the healing process.
When directly asked about his readiness for the start of the upcoming season, Hyman approached the question with a degree of pragmatic caution. Drawing upon prior experiences with significant injuries, specifically referencing an ACL recovery, he expressed a deliberate reluctance to establish or announce a firm return date. His reasoning is straightforward: setting a specific date can lead to considerable disappointment if the physical reality of recovery does not align with the target.
Consequently, while Hyman articulated his hope (“I hope to play on opening night”) that he will be medically cleared and ready to join his teammates when the puck drops on the new campaign, he was also candid in stating that he does not possess a definitive timeline and therefore cannot guarantee his participation from day one. The priority remains achieving full health rather than adhering to a potentially premature schedule.
Tristan Blackwood