Zach Hyman Returns To Ice For Oilers: When Will He Play?

Zach Hyman could be set to rejoin the Edmonton Oilers soon. The forward returned to practice on Friday, though it’s unclear whether he’ll play Saturday’s game in San Jose. If not, Tuesday, Oct. 13, against the Los Angeles Kings is the likely target.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains on injured reserve, as do Matt Savoie, Colton Dach, and Mattias Janmark. 

Hyman scored 52 points in 58 games last season, fifth on the team. His return arrives as the Oilers average 5.50 goals per game, second only to Colorado, though Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard and Vasily Podkolzin sit near the top of the NHL's standings for points and account for 73% of the scoring.

Hyman played the first game of the season for the Oilers, but was ruled out following the overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks. It wasn't clear when or how he was injured, but he hasn't played a game since. 

With newly acquired Filip Hallander also in the mix -- he joined the Oilers on the ice Friday after being acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins -- , Edmonton must decide who sits.

Alex Formenton or Isaac Howard look like the likeliest candidates.

The fact that the Oilers have to make some difficult roster decisions is a nice problem to have. They started the season without four of their top nine forwards and are finally starting to get some of those players back. 

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