Oilers’ Hyman to return against Mammoth, Dach, Walman, likely to play

The Edmonton Oilers are getting healthier. 

On Friday, Edmonton radio host Jason Gregor reported that left winger Zach Hyman is set to make his return against the Utah Mammoth on Saturday. At the same time, Colton Dach and Jake Walman are also “very likely” to play. 

Hyman, who hasn’t played since the season-opening 6-5 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, has missed the last six games with an undisclosed upper-body injury. In that game, he posted three shots on goal and two hits in 20:33 of ice time before spending the next two weeks sidelined with an injury. 

Bringing him back into the lineup will force changes in head coach Mike Babcock’s approach, as he looks to find a consistent role for the veteran forward, whom he also coached in his years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Last season, Hyman scored 31 goals and 21 assists for 52 points in 58 games, showing his continued qualities despite approaching the twilight of his lengthy NHL career, which began in 2015 with the Maple Leafs. 

Dach, meanwhile, is also set to return from injury. The 23-year-old has played three games this season, amassing five shots and eight hits, before suffering a knock that has kept him out since Oct. 3. To return to the lineup, he’ll need to be activated off the injured reserve, forcing another player to be scratched. 

Walman is also set to return, with the 30-year-old hoping to play for the first time since Oct. 7 as he searches for his first points of the season from the blueline, having already played four games this season. 

Outside of those expected to play Saturday against the Mammoth, other injuries are trending in the right direction, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jason Dickinson on track to return next week.

After facing the Mammoth Saturday, the Oilers will look ahead to a five-game homestand, beginning with a Wednesday night clash with the Minnesota Wild.