“ON THIS DAY IN OIL COUNTRY: Zach Hyman’s $38.5M Signing in 2021 Sparked a New Era of Grit, Goals, and Greatness”
On this day in 2021, the Edmonton Oilers made a move that would change the tone, identity, and trajectory of their franchise for years to come. The signing of Zach Hyman to a seven-year, \$38.5 million contract wasn’t just a transaction on paper — it was a declaration. It was a signal to the rest of the league that the Oilers weren’t content with merely having the best player in the world on their roster. They were intent on surrounding Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with warriors who could complement their speed, finesse, and scoring touch with toughness, tenacity, and consistency. Few players embodied that more than Zach Hyman. As the ink dried on that summer deal, Edmonton got much more than a top-line winger. They got a culture-changer.
Hyman’s reputation preceded him. In Toronto, he was already widely admired for doing the heavy lifting on any line he played. He was the type of player teammates love and opponents dread. Hard on pucks, relentless on the forecheck, and seemingly tireless in his work ethic, Hyman was often the engine that made his line go. He didn’t demand the spotlight, but he always showed up when it mattered most. The Oilers knew what they were getting — or at least they thought they did. What Hyman brought to Edmonton quickly outpaced even the highest expectations. From his first shift in blue and orange, it was clear that the Oilers had landed a player who would define the team’s forward group not just with production, but with presence.
His impact was immediate. In his first season with the Oilers, Hyman scored 27 goals and added 27 assists in 76 games — the highest goal total of his career to that point. More importantly, he seamlessly integrated into Edmonton’s top six, often playing alongside McDavid or Draisaitl and doing the dirty work that freed them up to do what they do best. Whether it was digging pucks out of the corner, planting himself in front of the net, or tracking back defensively, Hyman was always engaged. But beyond the numbers and tactics, it was his style of play — his lunch-pail mentality and refusal to take a shift off — that made him instantly beloved in Oil Country.
The Oilers had been searching for years for the right type of player to balance their roster. They had elite skill but lacked depth and grit in key moments. Hyman brought both. His fearlessness in high-traffic areas, his willingness to take punishment in front of the net, and his ability to grind out goals the hard way gave Edmonton a new dimension. Suddenly, the Oilers weren’t just a finesse team with speed and highlight-reel goals. They were harder to play against. They had edge. And a lot of that came directly from Hyman’s example.
As the seasons progressed, Hyman only got better. His goal totals climbed. His confidence grew. And his chemistry with McDavid became one of the most reliable elements in Edmonton’s offensive attack. In the 2022-23 season, Hyman exploded for 36 goals and 47 assists — shattering his previous career highs and finishing with 83 points in 79 games. For a player once pigeonholed as a “grinder,” he showed the entire NHL that he had far more to offer. He wasn’t just a complementary piece; he was a difference-maker.
Hyman’s story is also one of resilience and relentless belief in himself. Undrafted out of the OHL, he battled his way to the NHL the hard way. He worked through college, endured the grind of the minors, and earned every opportunity he got. That kind of journey gives a player perspective — and it gives a locker room a leader. Quiet but confident, Hyman became a pillar of accountability and professionalism in Edmonton. His teammates noticed. The coaching staff noticed. And most importantly, the fans noticed.
In the postseason, where reputations are truly made, Hyman’s value became even more apparent. He played hurt. He scored clutch goals. He delivered big hits and killed penalties. He did everything a coach could ask for — and he did it without complaint or fanfare. In the 2022 playoffs, he scored 11 goals in 16 games, helping lead the Oilers to their first Western Conference Final appearance since 2006. Time and again, it was Hyman driving the net, finishing a check, or causing chaos in front of the opposing goalie. The moment never seemed too big for him.
But perhaps most remarkable is how Hyman’s journey in Edmonton reflects the transformation of the franchise itself. When he arrived, the Oilers were still finding their footing. The McDavid era had produced flashes of brilliance but lacked the sustained success fans craved. Hyman’s arrival marked a turning point. He gave the team balance. He gave them identity. And over time, he helped them believe they could win not just individual games, but championships.
Hyman’s off-ice impact has also been profound. A published children’s author and respected voice in the community, he quickly immersed himself in Edmonton’s culture and gave back in meaningful ways. Whether through charity work, fan engagement, or simply carrying himself with class, Hyman has become the type of ambassador every franchise dreams of. In a league where ego can sometimes overshadow effort, Hyman remains grounded. That authenticity resonates — especially in a passionate market like Edmonton.
Looking back now, the \$38.5 million contract handed out in July 2021 seems like a bargain. While some long-term deals age poorly, Hyman’s deal has only looked smarter with each passing season. At 29 when he signed, many wondered whether his grinding style would take a toll as he entered his 30s. But Hyman has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, he’s elevated his game, becoming a fixture on the Oilers’ top power-play unit and a threat in all situations. His fitness, preparation, and hockey IQ have allowed him to sustain a high level of play well into the later years of his deal.
For Edmonton fans, the love for Hyman goes beyond stats. He represents everything they want in a player: heart, hustle, humility, and the will to win. In a city that has long embraced its blue-collar roots and its proud hockey tradition, Hyman fits like a glove. You can see it in the cheers when he scores. You can feel it in the buzz when he throws a big hit or blocks a shot. He’s not just a player — he’s part of the fabric of the team.
The Oilers have had their share of stars, legends, and icons over the decades. But players like Hyman — the ones who earn everything and never stop working — often hold a special place in the hearts of fans. He’s the type of player who brings people out of their seats not just for highlight-reel goals, but for doing the little things that win games. And in playoff hockey, those little things become monumental.
It’s also worth noting the ripple effect Hyman’s presence has had on the team’s culture. Young players watch how he prepares. Veterans feed off his energy. Coaches trust him in any situation. He’s the type of player who sets the tone in practice and leads by example when the games matter most. That kind of leadership isn’t always visible on the scoresheet, but it’s invaluable in the room.
Three years into the deal, Hyman has already given the Oilers more than they could have reasonably hoped for — and the best part is, he’s not done. With the Oilers continuing to contend for the Stanley Cup and McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime, Hyman remains a crucial piece of the puzzle. He’s the bridge between talent and toughness, between finesse and fire. And as long as he’s in an Oilers jersey, fans can be sure of one thing: every shift will be played like it’s his last.
So, on this anniversary of the signing that brought Zach Hyman to Edmonton, it’s not just a moment to reflect — it’s a moment to celebrate. Celebrate a player who changed the way the Oilers play. Celebrate a contract that delivered beyond its value. Celebrate the grit, the goals, and the greatness that Hyman brings every time he steps on the ice. Because when you look back at the moves that helped turn the Oilers into legitimate contenders, this one — signed on July 30, 2021 — might just be remembered as one of the best.
Zach Hyman came to Edmonton with a promise of hard work and reliability. He’s delivered that and so much more. In a league that’s constantly changing, his game remains timeless: honest, unselfish, relentless. And in a city that lives and breathes hockey, that’s exactly what makes him a perfect fit.
