‘I’m ready to go’: Still a week away, Zach Hyman raring to return to Oilers lineup
It’s been 155 days since Zach Hyman last donned the Edmonton Oilers uniform.
His last time lacing up the skates came on May 27th earlier this year in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, when he was
10 minutes into the game, his season was over, and so too has the start of his 2025-26 season. He’s missed all 11 games to start this season, but it won’t be long until he returns to the lineup.
“I’m ready to go. I’m always ready to go,” said Hyman Wednesday. “I’m going to tell you I’m ready to go because that’s how I feel.
“At the end of the day, the doctors are the ones who are there to protect you from yourself at times and make sure that when you do return that you are able and ready. And that’s how I feel. Having said that, they know more than I do.”
The Oilers have certainly missed his hard-nosed style of play that had him on pace to not only break, but smash the playoff hits record last spring. Adjusting to life without him hasn’t been the smoothest for the team in the early part of the season, sputtering to a 5-4-2 record. A plethora of linemates have cycled through the right wing spot beside Connor McDavid, where Hyman will man when he does return.
And in the eyes of head coach Kris Knoblauch, it can’t come soon enough.
“He looks ready to go — I want to put him in. Our medical staff’s holding him back, I don’t think it’s fair,” said Knoblauch with a laugh on Wednesday. “He’ll be still week to week… And we said it was bare minimum November 1st, and it won’t be November 1st, but it’ll be at least a week after that and hopefully shortly.
“We want him back. I think he looks ready, but obviously we’re looking long picture and making sure that we don’t have any setbacks.”
Getting Hyman back in the lineup would mean a lot to the team, he added.
“Zach is as good as anyone scoring goals, so he’d give us some depth there,” he said. “And also with our team, a little tenacity, a little grit and getting in on the forecheck, that kind of play would help with that.
“I like how a lot of the guys are playing, but anytime you add a star quality player like Zach would just help the team a lot and just move other guys to probably the chairs that they should be in.”
Seahawks’ Riq Woolen on Colts’ Radar Ahead of Trade Deadline
As the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 4, the Indianapolis Colts are reportedly exploring a trade for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, who has become one of the league's most prolific ball-hawking defenders. Known for his size, speed, and playmaking ability, Woolen has recorded 11 interceptions and 30 pass breakups over his career.
“It’s always great to be recognized for your work on the field,” Woolen said when asked about the trade rumors. “But at the end of the day, I’m focused on helping this team win, whether that’s in Seattle or anywhere else. If a move happens, I’ll be ready.”
Reports suggest that Woolen, despite his impressive stats, may not be a perfect fit in Seattle’s defensive scheme under head coach Mike Macdonald. This has led to speculation that the Seahawks might be willing to move him before the trade deadline.
“If the rumors are true, it’s a business,” Woolen added. “I’m just doing my job here and focusing on the team. I’ll keep working hard and if the time comes for a change, I’ll adapt and do what’s best for my career.”
The Colts, who have been active in pursuing defensive upgrades, are reportedly interested in bolstering their cornerback depth, especially after the unexpected retirement of veteran cornerback Xavien Howard earlier this season. Woolen’s ability to change the game with his ball skills and physicality would be a huge addition to the Colts' secondary.
“I’m always striving to get better,” Woolen said. “Whether it’s interceptions or pass breakups, I want to be someone who can make plays when the team needs it the most.”
The trade would also be a chance for the Colts to further solidify their defense as they prepare for a potential playoff run, with Woolen’s athletic profile making him a perfect fit in a secondary looking to make an impact on opposing quarterbacks.
“It would be exciting to join a team that’s making a push for the playoffs,” Woolen said when asked about the potential trade. “But for now, I’m focused on what’s in front of me. I’m just preparing and getting ready for whatever happens next.”
As the November 4 deadline draws near, both the Colts and Seahawks will have important decisions to make regarding Woolen’s future. If the trade goes through, it would bolster the Colts' defense significantly for the second half of the season.
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