Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman is anticipated to miss the remainder of the Stanley Cup playoffs after undergoing surgery for an upper-body injury sustained during Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, according to head coach Kris Knoblauch.
During the opening period of Edmonton`s 4-1 victory, Hyman tried to avoid a significant hit from Stars forward Mason Marchment in the neutral zone. He largely succeeded in getting his body clear, but Marchment made contact with his arms. Hyman`s upper body twisted, causing him to drop his stick instantly before leaving the ice visibly uncomfortable. He did not come back to play.
Since joining the Oilers in 2021, Hyman has been a reliable offensive contributor in the team`s top six. He finished the regular season second on the team with 27 goals, and his five playoff goals currently rank tied for fourth.
Hyman`s absence further challenges the depth of an Edmonton roster that already relies heavily on its top players. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, for instance, has already elevated his performance, delivering four consecutive multi-point games in the Western Conference Final.
Beyond Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton will require increased offensive output from players such as Evander Kane, who hasn`t scored since Game 4 of the previous round against the Vegas Golden Knights. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have performed outstandingly as expected, they will need more secondary support without Hyman at the forefront of the lineup.
It remains to be seen if the Stars can capitalize on Hyman`s absence as they face elimination. Dallas boasts arguably the deepest forward group in the NHL, yet this hasn`t translated into production during this conference final. Mikko Rantanen is still seeking his first goal, Wyatt Johnston is enduring a seven-game point drought, and experienced players like Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn have managed only one goal each this entire postseason. This offensive slump must end if Dallas hopes to force the series back in their favor in Game 5.
Torin Vale 
Elton Marrow