Edmonton Oilers Forward Zach Hyman Breaks Silence on Injury: "Devastated, Heartache Prevails"
Edmonton - Zach Hyman took a hit that wasn't just painful, it was heartbreaking.
The Oilers grinder found himself on the sidelines during Game 4 of the Western Conference final, thanks to a glancing blow from Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment in the neutral zone. Hyman, armed with a cast on his right arm for a dislocated wrist, admitted to the emotional turmoil that ensued.
"I just felt my wrist kind of go on me," said the 32-year-old, who previously topped the playoff charts with a staggering 111 hits. "Even then, you still think you can play through it. But quickly realized when I saw the doctors, it's something that needed surgery and something that I wasn't going to be able to play through."
A record-breaking season for Hyman came crashing down as he confirmed bone breaks and ligament damage to accompany the dislocated wrist. But far from wallowing in self-pity, Hyman's spirit shone through, promising his teammates he'd be back. A promise he felt compelled to keep, even if he couldn't strap on the skates in 2025.
"I don't think I fully grasped it until later," Hyman admitted, growing emotional. "Some things in life you can't control, and this is one of them."
Despite the unexpected twist, Hyman's camaraderie with his teammates transcended the rink. Their support, especially from superstar captain Connor McDavid, fueled Hyman's resolve to get through his recovery.
"You're heartbroken," Hyman recalled, remembering the moment McDavid hugged him after his injury. "That's when I broke down."
This season, the Oilers seemingly dodged the injury bug, propelling them all the way to Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. But the tide turned as McDavid, Hyman, and others found themselves out of commission towards the end of the schedule.
Defenseman Mattias Ekholm, a top-pair partner with Evan Bouchard, returned for Game 5 of the semifinals against Dallas after a long absence due to a lower-body injury. Though it's disappointing to see Hyman sit out the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers are willing to forge ahead, banking on other players to step up in Hyman's stead.
Rematching the Panthers in yet another quest for the ultimate hockey prize, the Oilers will undoubtedly miss Hyman's fiery spirit, bone-crushing hits, and invaluable contributions to the team's offense and special teams. But Hyman's indomitable resolve shines through, as he vows to support his team from the sidelines, eagerly waiting to rejoin the fight once fully recovered.
In the meantime, the Oilers and their dedicated fans can only rally behind their heroes, determined to carry the torch for Hyman and bring home the Stanley Cup. As Hyman said, "Life has a funny way of working." When the dust settles, we'll find out if the joke's on the competition or on the Oilers themselves. Here's to an unforgettable Final, and to Zach Hyman's swift and mighty return.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 4, 2025.
Enrichment Data (Selected Use):
The injury that sidelines Hyman is no joke: a dislocated wrist that demands surgery and makes him an unlikely contender to rejoin the Oilers during the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. In previous seasons, Hyman, the heart and soul of Edmonton’s forward line, demonstrated impressive resilience, leading the NHL in playoff hits and racking up 70 goals in the regular season and playoffs.
Toronto media outlets discussed the impact of Zach Hyman's injury on the Edmonton Oilers' sports landscape, as his dislocated wrist in the Western Conference Final excluded him from the team's NHL playoff journey. Hyman, a notable player known for his hockey hits and significant contributions to the Oilers' offense and special teams, had previously led the NHL in playoff hits, and scored 70 goals in the regular season and playoffs combined.
