The return of winger Zach Hyman to the Edmonton Oilers lineup is a welcome development for the team, but it does not solve the club's most significant and troubling issue: the dramatic decline in the performance of its defencemen.
Hyman's Proven Value to the Oilers
Since joining the Oilers in the summer of 2021, Hyman has established himself as the team's most effective winger. His goal-scoring record is impressive, with consecutive seasons of 27, 36, 54, and 27 goals. His importance was never more evident than in the 2025 playoffs, where he was arguably Edmonton's top-performing forward before a fractured wrist suffered against the Dallas Stars ended his run, dealing a lethal blow to the team's Stanley Cup hopes.
Hyman's game is defined by relentless effort. He is a tenacious forechecker and backchecker who hits hard, protects the puck effectively, and drives to the net. His ability to complement high-skill teammates like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has been invaluable. Furthermore, micro-statistics tracked by the Cult of Hockey for the past 15 years show that Hyman has consistently led all Oilers wingers in Grade A shots plus-minus, confirming his status as the team's best two-way winger since his arrival.
Where Hyman's Impact Will Be Felt
Hyman's comeback is expected to provide a significant boost to the Oilers' wingers, a position that has underperformed compared to the previous season. At even strength, the wingers' offensive contributions have dropped from creating 13.6 Grade A shots per game last year to just 11.8 this year. Last season, Hyman alone contributed 2.9 Grade A shots per game at even strength, so his return should directly address this offensive deficit.
Interestingly, the team's centres have maintained a relatively stable performance level at even strength, with a slight defensive improvement. The core issue, therefore, does not lie with the forward group's top players.
The Oilers' Biggest and Ugliest Problem
However, even if Hyman returns at his peak performance level, he cannot fix the team's most glaring weakness: the collapse of the two-way play from the defencemen. This group's performance has fallen off a cliff this season and is currently cratering the entire team.
The statistics reveal a stark contrast. Compared to last year, the defencemen are generating fewer offensive chances, with their contributions to Grade A shots dropping from 8.9 per game to 7.9. More alarmingly, their defensive miscues have skyrocketed. The group is now making 12.8 major mistakes on Grade A shots against per game, a significant increase from the 11.0 per game they averaged last season.
This defensive frailty represents the team's most pressing challenge. While Zach Hyman's return is a positive step, the Edmonton Oilers' fortunes this season will ultimately depend on whether their blueliners can rediscover their form.
