Zach Hyman Out for Season: Oilers Star Needs Surgery After Game 4 Injury

The Edmonton Oilers suffered a major blow in their quest for the Stanley Cup Final as forward Zach Hyman will undergo season-ending surgery following an injury sustained in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars.

Hyman Injured After Hit in First Period

Hyman left the ice midway through the first period on Tuesday night after taking a hit from Dallas’ Mason Marchment. He was seen favoring his right arm and quickly retreated to the locker room, dropping his stick along the way.

The Oilers would go on to win 4-1, taking a 3-1 series lead, but Hyman’s absence casts a shadow over the victory.

“Zach’s season is most likely done,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “He’s getting surgery today… we’re not expecting him back for the playoffs.”

A Key Loss on and off the Ice

At 32 years old, Hyman is one of Edmonton’s most dependable players. He scored 27 goals and 17 assists this regular season and was one of the NHL’s playoff leaders in hits.

His intensity and relentless style have made him a perfect fit alongside Connor McDavid on the top line. In the 2023–24 season, he scored 54 goals, adding 16 more in the postseason as the Oilers made a deep run to the final.

“He’s a huge piece, a key piece,” said goalie Stuart Skinner. “He grinds, does the little things right, and everyone loves that guy.”

Team Response: Depth Players Step Up

With Hyman out, the Oilers leaned on their forward depth to fill the gap. Both Trent Frederic and Corey Perry saw time on McDavid’s wing, while Leon Draisaitl took on a heavier load, double-shifting throughout the game.

“You’re not just going to make that up,” Draisaitl said. “But collectively, we have what it takes.”

The reunited third line of Podkolzin, Janmark, and Arvidsson played a key role in Game 4, and Edmonton out-hit Dallas 50-24, led by Podkolzin’s eight hits.

More Injury Concerns for the Oilers

Hyman isn’t the only concern. Forward Connor Brown was injured in Game 3, and defenceman Mattias Ekholm has been sidelined but is reportedly close to returning.

Depending on player availability, the Oilers may ice 11 forwards and 7 defencemen in Game 5.

Veteran Voices Keep Focus Sharp

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who had two assists in Game 4, acknowledged the emotional impact of losing Hyman:

“He’s a big part of our team, on and off the ice… But other guys have stepped up and filled that gap.”

Veteran Corey Perry summed it up best:

“He’s a dog-on-the-bone… If he doesn’t have the puck, he’s chasing it down. That’s Zach Hyman hockey.”

With Game 5 set for Thursday in Dallas, the Oilers sit just one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year. They’ll have to get there without one of their most important players—but morale, depth, and determination remain high in the locker room.

“Part of it felt like we were doing it for Zach,” said Nugent-Hopkins.

How do you think the Oilers will adjust without Hyman moving forward? Can they still win it all?

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-oilers-claim-game-4-win-over-stars-but-lose-workhorse-winger-zach-hyman-1.7545704
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/oilers-hymans-season-over-after-game-4-injury-vs-stars
• https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6388666/2025/05/28/oilers-hyman-surgery-lineup