From Underrated Addition to Beloved Star, Zach Hyman’s Journey to Becoming an Edmonton Oilers Fan Favorite Has Transformed the Franchise
When Zach Hyman signed with the Edmonton Oilers in the summer of 2021, the move generated moderate excitement but few imagined the kind of emotional and on-ice impact he would come to have on the franchise. Now, just a few years later, Hyman isn’t just a reliable top-six forward—he’s one of the beating hearts of the team, a player whose work ethic, consistency, and leadership have made him a fan favorite in a city that reveres grit and determination as much as skill. In every shift he takes and every goal he scores, Hyman has embedded himself into the soul of Edmonton hockey.
Back when the Oilers inked Hyman to a seven-year deal worth $38.5 million, critics questioned the length of the contract, and some doubted whether the former Toronto Maple Leafs winger could truly elevate his game outside of the shadows of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. After all, Hyman had carved out a solid but not spectacular career as a complementary player in Toronto—beloved for his effort but never considered a star. What Edmonton hoped for was a steadying presence, someone who could fit alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl and bring some muscle and maturity to the lineup.
What they got was so much more.
From the moment he stepped on the ice wearing the Oilers’ blue and orange, Hyman played like a man on a mission. He brought a unique brand of hockey that combined relentless puck pursuit with soft hands and an uncanny ability to make the smart play under pressure. Whether it was crashing the net, killing penalties, scoring clutch goals, or making the subtle plays along the boards that don’t show up on the scoresheet, Hyman became indispensable. More than his stats—which have steadily climbed—his impact was felt in the intangible qualities he brought: effort, leadership, professionalism, and humility.
In his first season with Edmonton, Hyman put up career highs across the board, but more importantly, he established himself as a fixture in the locker room. Teammates raved about his approach to the game, his off-ice preparation, and his ability to lift others around him. He quickly earned the trust of McDavid and Draisaitl, who found in him not just a linemate who could keep up with their pace but someone who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in the corners and win battles when it mattered most.
By year two, Hyman had officially become more than just a key cog in the lineup—he was a leader by example, a player whose every stride spoke to what the Oilers aspired to be as a team. Head coach Jay Woodcroft frequently pointed to Hyman when discussing the team’s identity, emphasizing how his unrelenting motor and unselfishness defined the type of hockey Edmonton needed to play to win in the playoffs.
It didn’t take long for fans to follow suit. In a city where hockey heroes are canonized for their effort as much as their talent, Hyman’s no-frills, blue-collar approach struck a chord. Children wore his number 18 jersey to games. Chants of “Hy-man!” rang out after big goals. His smile, humble interviews, and genuine gratitude for playing in a hockey-mad market made him feel like a homegrown product, even if he had spent years in the enemy camp.
Part of Hyman’s charm lies in his relatability. He doesn’t have the supernatural speed of McDavid or the laser shot of Draisaitl, but what he does possess is a toolkit that feels attainable to fans—a reflection of work, not just raw talent. In many ways, he embodies the ethos of the Oilers’ faithful: hard-working, passionate, and unyielding in the face of adversity.
The numbers back up his growing legend. By the 2023–24 season, Hyman had emerged as one of the league’s most consistent scoring threats, even flirting with the 50-goal mark—an achievement few thought possible when he arrived. His power-play contributions were immense, often stationed near the crease, tipping pucks and outmuscling defenders in battles for position. At even strength, his chemistry with McDavid reached elite levels, providing a stabilizing force that allowed the team’s stars to play with more freedom and confidence.
But perhaps more than any goal or assist, what truly solidified Hyman’s status as a fan favorite was his playoff performances. In back-to-back postseason runs, he delivered critical goals in high-pressure situations, including game-winners and momentum-swinging efforts that etched his name into Oilers lore. His ability to elevate his game when it mattered most gave fans hope in moments of doubt and helped change the narrative around an Edmonton team long accused of falling short in the biggest moments.
Off the ice, Hyman’s impact has been just as profound. Known for his philanthropic efforts and his passion for children’s literature—he’s authored several books—Hyman has become a community ambassador in Edmonton. He’s participated in hospital visits, youth hockey clinics, and various charitable initiatives, always with the same down-to-earth demeanor that makes him so beloved in the locker room. It’s no wonder that when Oilers fans talk about the core of the team, Hyman’s name is mentioned alongside franchise icons, not just for what he does, but for who he is.
His journey is a testament to patience, perseverance, and belief in oneself. Drafted 123rd overall in 2010, Hyman took the long road to NHL stardom, playing four years of college hockey at Michigan, developing slowly, and never rushing the process. That commitment to growth, that slow burn of improvement, mirrors the ethos of the Oilers franchise itself—a team that suffered through lean years, weathered criticism, and stayed the course until the right pieces came together.
As the Oilers chase that elusive Stanley Cup, Hyman remains a central figure in their quest—not just because of his production, but because of the culture he helps cultivate. In a league where locker room dynamics can make or break a season, having someone like Hyman—respected by rookies and veterans alike—is invaluable. He bridges the gap between the stars and the grinders, leading with effort and speaking through action more than words.
For young players entering the Oilers system, Hyman is often cited as the model. Work like him, prepare like him, carry yourself like him—and you’ll have a chance. In that sense, he’s not just a player; he’s a blueprint for success, a reminder that talent without effort is incomplete, and that effort without ego is what breeds chemistry, trust, and ultimately, winning.
Looking ahead, Hyman’s contract—which once drew skepticism—is now considered one of the league’s best-value deals. Not only is he producing at an elite level, but his durability, consistency, and character have made him irreplaceable. While other big-name contracts around the league are scrutinized or regretted, Hyman’s presence in Edmonton is celebrated, his contributions exceeding even the rosiest of projections.
In a league where stars are often defined by flash and flair, Zach Hyman has carved out a different kind of stardom—one built on substance, sacrifice, and a fierce loyalty to his team. Edmonton didn’t just gain a great hockey player when they signed Hyman. They gained a leader, a role model, and a fan favorite whose legacy will long outlive his playing days.
And as time passes, as seasons come and go, and as the Oilers continue their pursuit of the sport’s greatest prize, one thing is certain: Zach Hyman’s impact on this team, and this city, will remain timeless.
