The Edmonton Oilers are close to getting one of their core forwards back in the lineup.
Winger Zach Hyman is expected to return next week, and while Monday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets is a possibility, he’s more likely to make his season debut later in the week, head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters on Friday.
Hyman, 33, has been out since Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars on May 27 after suffering a wrist injury.
He underwent surgery on the fractured and damaged ligaments in the summer and was placed on the long-term injury reserve to start the 2025-26 season.
Though it was originally hoped he would be able to get back for early November, his return has been delayed. The Toronto, Ont., native has been practising with the team for the last week as he gears up to play.
The fifth-year Oiler played in 73 games last season, scoring 27 goals and 44 points with seven game-winners. He enjoyed his best season in 2023-24, finishing with 54 goals and 77 points.
Knoblauch also mentioned that centreman Mattias Janmark is “very close” to returning and could make his season debut Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche or Monday against the Blue Jackets.
Janmark has been out since the pre-season with an undisclosed injury.
The 32-year-old had two goals and 16 assists in 80 games with the Oilers last season and added three goals and one assist in 22 post-season appearances.
The Oilers (6-5-4) are currently fourth in the Pacific Division and are on a two-game losing skid as they get set for a showdown against the Central-leading Avalanche (8-1-5) on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.
