Hyman Remains Unconcerned Despite Slow Start to Season

Zach Hyman is not worried about starting the season without a point, maintaining a calm perspective as the Edmonton Oilers struggle early on.

"It's an 82-game season," the Edmonton Oilers winger stated on Wednesday. "So, it's unfortunate that it happens at the beginning. I've gone through stretches like this from Game 40 to 47, and nobody says anything because you've already banked some stats."

Despite Hyman's personal struggles, he acknowledged that they have impacted the Oilers, who hold a record of 2-4-1 in close games. Their only loss by fewer than three goals this season occurred in a 3-2 overtime defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes.

"It's tough, especially when we're losing by one goal," Hyman remarked. "That's what bothers me the most, is when I have an opportunity to score to help us win, and usually those go in for me and those would be wins for us."

On an individual level, Hyman is confident in his ability to regain his offensive rhythm. "(If) you get chances, eventually they're going to go in," he said. "I mean, I've scored a bunch of goals in this league."

Last season, Hyman achieved a career-high of 54 goals, ranking him third in the NHL, both in all situations and at even strength, where he netted 39 goals. He increased his overall total by 50% compared to the 36 goals he scored over 79 games in 2022-23 and led all NHL players with 16 goals in 25 playoff games.

Although his average ice time dropped last season to 19:30 from a career-high of 20:09, Hyman has been playing nearly 20 minutes (19:56) per game this season.

The Oilers signed Hyman to a seven-year, $38.5-million contract as an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2021.