Player Profile: Zach Hyman

Zach Hyman isn’t your typical goal scorer. He may have appeared like it last season when he potted a combined 70 between the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs, but that’s never been what defines his game. He’s also the guy who hustles, does the dirty work, and creates space for his more skilled linemates. Hyman’s value to the Edmonton Oilers goes beyond the scoresheet—he’s a player who brings grit, physicality, and a solid defensive presence. His versatility to play on either wing makes him invaluable on any team, let alone the reigning Western Conference champions. Yet it wasn’t always that way. 

Zach Hyman’s Hockey Origins:

Zach’s journey started with promise when Hockey Canada named him the 2011 Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year. He also won a gold medal for Canada at the 2013 Maccabiah Games in Israel. 

Before making it to the big leagues and college circuit, Hyman made a name for himself in the junior leagues. Playing for the Hamilton Red Wings in Juniors, he was their Rookie of the Year, captain, and twice named MVP. In his final season of Junior A play, he was the team’s leading scorer, recording 42 goals and 102 points in 43 regular season games. The rising star forward ranked second in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) with 2.37 points per game.

During his college years at the University of Michigan, Hyman earned several accolades, including Athlete of the Year, EAS Sports Nutrition for strength and conditioning, and a First Team All-American. He was even a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. During his senior season, he set a new Big Ten record for points in a season with 54 (22 goals and 32 assists) in 37 games. 

Yet he was also viewed as a late bloomer and wasn’t coveted when he became draft-eligible. The Florida Panthers took a chance anyway with the 5th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, but Hyman didn’t sign a contract with them, believing he didn’t have a fast route to the show. 

His rights were traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he made the team in 2015 where he quickly established himself as a regular. The rookie shattered records like most short-handed goals scored by a rookie in a season (4) and tied for the most consecutive games with an assist by a rookie (6 games). 

Zach Hyman hits stride as Edmonton Oiler:

In 2021, Hyman moved to the Edmonton Oilers, signing a seven-year, $38.5 million deal. The chance to play alongside stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl was too good to pass up. In his first season with the Oilers, he posted a career-high 27 goals and 54 points. He stood out in the 2022 playoffs, setting a franchise record by scoring a goal in every tilt of a five-game “Battle of Alberta” series against the Calgary Flames, tallying six goals and 8 points.

Then came the 2022–23 season, where Hyman reached new heights with a career-best 83 points (36 goals, 47 assists) in 79 games. He continued to elevate his game in the 2023–24 season, potting 54 goals, cementing his status as a key offensive contributor for the Oilers.

The 32-year-old may not be the flashiest player in Oil country, but his hard work and determination have made him an essential part of the team’s recent success. Whether it’s grinding it out in the corners, scoring clutch goals, or serving as a defensive anchor, Hyman does it all—and he does it well.