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Connor McDavid Reveals What Oilers Have Missed This Season

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid believes Zach Hyman’s return will provide a much-needed lift as the forward nears clearance to rejoin the lineup.

Hyman has missed the start of the season after suffering a right-wrist injury during last season’s Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch said Wednesday the 33-year-old remains “week-to-week” but looks and sounds ready after taking part in full practices for the first time since surgery.

Speaking on Wednesday, McDavid said Hyman’s presence will help stabilize a forward group still finding its rhythm, and in doing so revealed what the Oilers have missed the most this season.

“[Hyman] obviously skates well, he’s physical, and he goes to the net hard,” McDavid said. “All stuff we’ve kind of been missing, so it’ll be huge to get him back.”

Hyman is eligible to come off long-term injured reserve on Saturday, but he is not expected to reappear in a game so soon following Wednesday’s update from Knoblauch.

“It’ll be a huge boost for sure,” McDavid said. “We’ve got some young forwards on the team that are kind of finding their way, and it’ll be good to get him back and everything that he provides.”

Hyman signed a seven-year, $38.5 million deal in 2021 and scored 27 goals last season before the injury.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) during a stoppage in play.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Oilers have struggled to generate consistent offense in his absence, trying different line combinations around McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to start the season.

Knoblauch expects Hyman’s return to restore some balance, saying, “Zach is as good as anyone at scoring goals. He’d give us some depth there and also some tenacity.”

McDavid said the team has “missed” that edge, adding that Hyman’s return could help the Oilers regain momentum after a start.

Edmonton (5-4-2) will face the Matt Rempe-lessNew York Rangers on Thursday, with puck drop set for 9 p.m. ET.

Related: Matt Rempe Injury Update Emerges Before Oilers Game

Related: Oilers Announce Good Zach Hyman Injury Update

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.