The Edmonton Oilers have made two roster moves to accommodate the return of forward Zach Hyman, who is set to make his season debut against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Hyman has been sidelined since May 27 after sustaining a wrist injury during Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. He underwent surgery over the summer to repair fractured and damaged ligaments.
To make room for Hyman, the Oilers have placed defenseman Troy Stecher on waivers and loaned forward Ike Howard to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Hyman, 33, is two years removed from a career-best 54-goal campaign in the regular season and added 16 more in the playoffs to lead the team. Last season, he recorded 27 goals and 17 assists in 71 games. In 15 playoff games, Hyman contributed five goals and six assists.
Stecher, who last played on October 30 against the New York Rangers, has only appeared in six games for the Oilers this season. Howard played 17 games with the Oilers this season, scoring two goals and one assist. Edmonton acquired Howard, the previous Hobey Baker Award winner, in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Oilers (8-7-4) are hoping Hyman's return will provide a boost to their offense. Hyman's return to the lineup could be huge, as the Oilers attempt to bounce back after a slow start.
Fans can watch Hyman's season debut against the Hurricanes on Saturday night.
