Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner cannot be relied on for 70+ starts this year. The last goalie to do that for the Oilers - or any other team - was 2016-17 Cam Talbot.

The Edmonton Oilers have come to life since letting Jay Woodcroft and Dave Manson go. Kris Knoblauch and Paul Coffey have come in and transformed the hockey club - whether by accident or not.

The new coaches have focused on eliminating risk from their overall game. Often Knoblauch has cited Zach Hyman as being the model of "not cheating defensive to gain offense."

Hyman has been the most consistent forward offensively for the Oilers. In 36 games Hyman has 25 goals and 15 assists for 40 points. He is producing at a career-best 1.11 points per game. He is also shooting at a career-best 3.8 shots on goal per game.

His goal scoring pace is the highest it's ever been for the 31-year old. Before 2023-24 his best goals per games played was 0.46 - this year he's producing at a 0.71 goals per game pace. If he plays every game for the rest of the season he is on pace to score 57 goals.

Last night was his third hat-trick of the year, and fourth of his career. Fortunately, he has scored all of his hat-tricks while playing for the Oilers.

He is great with his teammates and great with the press. Always gives thoughtful answers and gives every game his full effort no matter what.

With McDavid a lock to represent the Oilers at the All-Star game, Hyman is the closest thing to another slam dunk selection for the special event in Toronto.

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