Insider Believes Oilers’ $38.5M Issue Is Flying Under the Radar Amid Noise Around Connor McDavid’s Future

The Edmonton Oilers are once again at the center of NHL speculation. Much of the noise has revolved around Connor McDavid’s long-term future, but an insider believes there’s another storyline that hasn’t received nearly enough attention.

It’s the $38.5 million commitment tied up in one of their most important forwards, and whether his recovery from surgery could impact the team’s Stanley Cup chances.

Is the Oilers’ $38.5M Question Being Overlooked?

Zach Hyman underwent surgery on May 28 after a collision with then-Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final. The injury sidelined him for the rest of the playoffs, forcing him to miss the Oilers’ second straight Stanley Cup Final appearance against the Florida Panthers.

According to Edmonton Journal columnist Kurt Leavins, McDavid’s contract talks have really overshadowed the more quiet, but still very important, story of Zach Hyman’s injury recovery.

Speaking last week at Hockey Canada’s Olympic Orientation Camp in Calgary, Hyman said he is on track but not fully cleared. “Will I be ready for the start of the season? I don’t know. But I’m on the right track, which is good. The fact that I don’t know is a good thing because it could be, ‘No, I’m not’,” he told NHL.com.

The forward, still wearing a wrist brace, has been skating but admits there’s uncertainty around opening night.

The Oilers open the 2025-26 season on October 8 against the Calgary Flames. If Hyman isn’t ready, it will be a major absence for a team relying heavily on his production. He remains one of Edmonton’s most valuable players, both as a scorer and as a physical presence.

Last season was a step back statistically for Hyman. He managed 27 goals and 44 points in 73 games after a career-best 54-goal campaign in 2023-24. Despite that, he was still a force in the playoffs, registering 11 points in 15 games and leading all skaters with 111 hits.

His ability to drive offense while playing a rugged style makes him indispensable for the Oilers’ top line.

Insiders note that Edmonton’s cap situation only heightens the stakes. Hyman carries a $5.5 million annual hit, adding up to $38.5 million over seven years. For a team with little room under the salary cap, every dollar needs to yield top-end production.

If Hyman starts the year on long-term injured reserve, the Oilers could gain short-term cap flexibility, but the bigger concern would be the on-ice gap he leaves behind.

Who Could Step Up if Hyman Misses Time?

If Hyman isn’t available on opening night, younger forwards may be asked to step into larger roles. Isaac Howard, acquired from Tampa Bay, is expected to slot into Edmonton’s top six regardless but could see immediate time with McDavid. Matthew Savoie, coming off a strong AHL season with Bakersfield, is another candidate for promotion.

The Oilers have depth pieces, but few can replicate Hyman’s scoring touch and physicality. His absence would mirror Florida’s challenge without Matthew Tkachuk, another power winger dealing with his own long-term injury. Both cases highlight how much their teams rely on those gritty, top-line forwards.

For now, the Oilers are left waiting on Hyman’s final meeting with doctors. His comments suggest progress, but also uncertainty. The organization knows a healthy Hyman is essential if they hope to return to the Stanley Cup Final for a third straight season.